Queen Sonia of Norway, aged 87, was discharged from the National Hospital in Oslo on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, after being urgently admitted the previous evening due to respiratory issues. The Norwegian royal house confirmed her release in a statement, indicating that medical tests showed her condition had normalized.
On the afternoon of Monday, April 21, Queen Sonia was airlifted from the Prince's Cabin in Sikkilsdalen, where she and King Harald V were spending their Easter holidays, to the hospital in Oslo. The royal couple was enjoying a break when her health deteriorated, prompting the emergency transfer.
Upon her discharge, it was announced that the Queen would be on medical leave for the remainder of the week, which means she will miss several scheduled engagements. Notably, she was set to visit Sofienberg Church in Oslo on Thursday, April 24, to observe its transformation into a cultural center, as well as attend the opening of an exhibition at the National Museum.
Princess Marta Luisa, the Queen's daughter, was seen visiting her mother in the hospital early on Tuesday morning. She arrived at approximately 9:40 AM and left shortly before 11 AM, likely having been informed by doctors about the Queen's stable condition. In contrast, Prince Haakon, the heir to the throne, was abroad on an official trip and did not attend.
This hospitalization marks the third time Queen Sonia has been admitted to the hospital in 2025 alone. Earlier this year, in January, she underwent surgery to implant a pacemaker after experiencing irregular heart palpitations while skiing. The royal family reassured the public that she was in stable condition following that incident.
Before the pacemaker installation, Queen Sonia had enjoyed over five years of good health without any significant medical issues, the last being in October 2019 when she canceled engagements due to a respiratory infection. In contrast, King Harald has faced numerous health challenges in recent years, including a pacemaker implant in February 2024 after a health scare during a vacation in Malaysia.
The Norwegian monarchy is navigating a challenging period, with Queen Sonia’s health issues being a significant concern for the royal family and the public alike. Despite these challenges, King Harald has expressed his commitment to the throne, stating, "I made an oath before the Norwegian Parliament, and this oath lasts a lifetime." He has indicated no intention to abdicate in favor of Prince Haakon, despite reducing his public engagements to maintain the monarchy's visibility.
In light of these events, the royal family's public appearances have decreased, reflecting a period of adjustment as they manage both personal health issues and public scrutiny. This is particularly poignant given the recent controversies surrounding the royal family, including ongoing investigations into allegations against Marius Borg, the son of Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship.
As Queen Sonia recuperates, the royal family continues to focus on their commitments to Norwegian society, balancing personal health and public duties. The Queen's recent hospitalization has heightened public interest and concern for her well-being, as she has been a beloved figure in Norway for decades.
Queen Sonia, who made history as the first commoner to marry into a European throne, now faces this new health challenge with the same resilience she has shown throughout her life. Her legacy, marked by a commitment to cultural and social causes, continues to resonate with the Norwegian people, who remain hopeful for her swift recovery and return to public life.
In the coming days, as the Queen rests, the royal family will likely continue to navigate their public roles while addressing the health concerns that have recently overshadowed their engagements. The Norwegian public, known for their support of the monarchy, will undoubtedly rally around their Queen, wishing her a speedy recovery and looking forward to her return to the royal duties she has cherished for so long.
