The inhabitants of Norway were taken by surprise this Saturday, January 11, 2025, by an official announcement from the Royal Court of Norway: the Queen Sonja Haraldsen was admitted to Lillehammer hospital for atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorderas reported Paris Match. This hospitalization, described as not serious by the palace, occurred while the sovereign was enjoying a ski trip in this popular resort, located about two hours’ drive from Oslo. According to the statement, the Queen is currently “in good shape considering the conditions“. Despite her 87 years, Sonja Haraldsen is renowned for her dynamism and her constant involvement in royal activities. This health problem, although worrying, therefore seems to be an exception for this central figure of the Norwegian monarchy.
The trials pile up for the Norwegian royal family
This hospitalization recalls another difficult period for the royal family: last year, King Harald V had himself suffered from serious heart problems. At 87, the latter was forced to undergo an operation in Oslo to install a permanent pacemaker after contracting an infection in Malaysia. These health problems did not prevent the king from resuming his official duties, although he now gets around on crutches.
But health concerns are not the only ones to tarnish the image of the royal family. The year 2024 was marked by several scandals, including the arrest of Marius, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, for serious accusations of rape and domestic violence. Added to this are the controversies surrounding the marriage of Princess Märtha Louise to Durek Verrett, an American shaman with ideas often considered eccentric.
King Harald, in his New Year’s speech, did not shy away from these difficult events. “For some, 2024 was the year it all fell apart“, he declared with great sincerity, while calling for resilience and unity. Queen Sonja, who has shared the sovereign’s life since their marriage in 1968, remains a figure loved and respected by Norwegians. Despite the criticism or the turbulence that sometimes surrounds her family, she embodies a precious stability for the monarchy.
Sonja Haraldsen: an iconic and modern queen of Norway
Sonja Haraldsen made history by becoming the first commoner to join the Norwegian royal familyafter a marriage which sparked numerous debates in 1968. Since then, she has brilliantly assumed her role as queen consort, supporting her husband while leading social actions, notably within the Norwegian Red Cross. As Norwegians anxiously await news on his recovery, this hospitalization is a reminder of how closely the health of members of the royal family is closely monitored by the public. One thing is certain: Queen Sonja, known for her strength of character, will be able to overcome this ordeal as she always has.
