Queen Sonja of Norway is set to undergo surgery this Thursday to be fitted with a pacemaker following her recent hospitalization due to atrial fibrillation. This development comes as the Norwegian royal family faces ongoing health challenges, with King Harald having experienced several health issues in recent years. The procedure marks a significant moment in the royal calendar, coinciding with the eve of King Harald's 34th year on the throne, which he will celebrate on January 17.
Queen Sonja, who has largely maintained good health and an active lifestyle well into her ninth decade, was briefly admitted to Lillehammer Hospital last Saturday. Her existing heart condition prompted the need for surgical intervention. She will be admitted to Rikshospitalet in Oslo on Wednesday evening ahead of the procedure and is expected to remain in the hospital for one or two days post-surgery.
The Norwegian royal family has been a staple of public life in Norway since Queen Sonja and King Harald wed in 1968. They have two children: Crown Prince Haakon, the 51-year-old heir to the throne, and Princess Märtha Louise, who is 53 years old. Despite the family's prominence, they have not been immune to health struggles, particularly King Harald.
King Harald's health has been a concern for several years. He had a pacemaker fitted last March after falling ill with an infection during a private holiday in Malaysia. This year alone, he has been hospitalized twice for infections and treated for a fever. Additionally, King Harald underwent an operation three years ago to replace a heart valve, highlighting his ongoing health battles.
As Queen Sonja prepares for her upcoming surgery, the Norwegian royal family remains steadfast in their duties and commitments. The public continues to show support and well-wishes for Queen Sonja's swift recovery and King Harald's ongoing health management.
