Norway's King Harald V died on Friday at an Oslo hospital where he was undergoing treatment for a rare blood disorder. He was 89.“King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday 28 August, 0635 (local time, 0435 GMT),” the Royal Palace said on its website.Harald, who was Europe's oldest living monarch, had been hospitalized on August 17. He was initially being treated for complications related to hemolytic anemia — a blood condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them. He later developed an infection.King Harald V’s Health DeterioratedHarald's condition worsened in recent days after he was admitted to hospital with fluid accumulation in the body linked to a blood disorder. He subsequently developed an infection.Family members were called to his bedside on Thursday as his condition deteriorated at Oslo University Hospital.Following his death, the royal flag was flown at half-mast on the palace roof.Harald had faced several medical setbacks in recent years. He underwent heart surgeries in 2005 and 2020 and was hospitalised multiple times for infections.What Is Hemolytic Anemia?According to Johns Hopkins, haemolytic anaemia is a disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced. The destruction of red blood cells is known as haemolysis.Red blood cells normally carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When they are destroyed prematurely and faster than the bone marrow can replace them, the number of circulating red blood cells falls.This can reduce the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues and cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath.What Are The Symptoms Of Hemolytic Anemia?Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:Abnormally pale skinYellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)Dark-coloured urineFeverWeaknessDizzinessConfusionReduced ability to tolerate physical activityEnlarged spleen or liverIncreased heart rate (tachycardia)Heart murmurThese symptoms can also occur with other blood conditions or health problems. A healthcare professional should be consulted for diagnosis.How Is Haemolytic Anaemia Diagnosed And Treated?Diagnosis may involve tests such as:Complete blood count (CBC)Urine testBone marrow aspiration or biopsyTreatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:Blood transfusionsCorticosteroid medicinesIntravenous immune globulin to help regulate the immune systemRituximabIn more severe cases, treatment may include surgery to remove the spleen or immunosuppressive therapy to reduce immune-system activity.King Harald V’s FamilyHarald leaves behind his wife, Queen Sonja, his son and new King Haakon, daughter Princess Märtha Louise and six grandchildren.Harald V was the first Norwegian-born prince in 567 years.Following Harald's death, hundreds of people gathered outside the palace in Oslo to lay flowers, while the government declared nationwide mourning until after his funeral.Harald's 53-year-old son will become Norway's new king, Haakon VIII, while Haakon's 22-year-old daughter Ingrid Alexandra becomes crown princess.