Europe's oldest monarch has pacemaker fitted after falling ill on holiday

Europe’s oldest monarch has pacemaker fitted after falling ill on holiday

King Harald of Norway has had a temporary pacemaker fitted after falling ill on holiday in Malaysia.

The 87-year-old monarch was admitted to the Sultanah Malia Hospital on the island of Langkawi with an infection on Tuesday.

Providing an update on his condition on Saturday, a royal spokesperson said: “The pacemaker was implanted due to a low heart rate.

“The decision was made earlier today, and the procedure was successful.”

He is doing well “under the circumstances” but requires more rest before flying home, they added.

Following the death of Elizabeth II, Harald is now the oldest monarch in Europe.

He has used crutches in recent years and was on sick leave with a respiratory infection until 2 February.

Wildlife Photographer Of The Year: Sleepy polar bear image captured by amateur UK photographer wins top wildlife prize

Floating sauna guests wearing only towels rescue duo after car plunges into Oslo fjord

Weather: Norway’s worst storm in 30 years with 120mph gusts leaves trail of destruction

In December he was in hospital with another infection where he was treated with intravenous antibiotics.

But amid rumours about his health, he said in a statement in January that he plans to stick to the oath he made when assuming the throne in 1991.

“I maintain what I have said all the time. It lasts for life,” he said.

Europe’s oldest monarch has pacemaker fitted after falling ill on holiday