On Sunday morning, the Norwegian Royal House announced that Queen Sonja of Norway regained a normal heart rhythm and was discharged from Lillehammer Hospital, where she was under observation for atrial fibrillation. “The situation is not considered serious and the queen is out of danger,” said palace officials, according to Kristeligt Dagblad. Medical personnel deemed her condition not severe. She departed the hospital in a car after her heart returned to a regular rhythm. NTB reported that a photographer observed the 87-year-old monarch leaving calmly, indicating that her recovery was progressing.
Queen Sonja’s health scare started during a ski trip, prompting her transfer to Lillehammer Hospital. She was briefly under close observation while doctors conducted tests. “The Queen suffered today in connection with a ski trip from heart flutter (atrial fibrillation),” said the Norwegian Royal House, cited by Münchner Merkur. This condition was detected after she felt unwell and sensed “something strange,” which led her to seek help, according to a report by n‑tv. Concerns grew overnight, as she had shown no noticeable health issues in the days before.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder worldwide, often affecting individuals over 60. In this condition, the heart usually beats too fast and irregularly. Specialists noted that it heightens the risk of complications such as stroke, heart failure, and blood clots. Doctors emphasized that it should not be confused with more severe problems involving the heart’s ventricles. Typical symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, feelings of chest anxiety, dizziness, and, on rarer occasions, fainting.
Queen Sonja was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and recovered sufficiently to rest at home. “It was above all a shock. It was frightening,” said the queen in an earlier interview, according to a report by Stern. Royal expert Trond Noren Isaksen observed that she generally enjoyed robust health. “At the same time, she is 87 years old. Skiing at that age is vigorous, but at 87, a ski trip can also be exhausting for the heart,” said Isaksen, according to OK Diario.
During the queen’s hospitalization, the broader health of the Norwegian royal family remained under scrutiny. King Harald V dealt with his own challenges in recent months. After an operation last year, he was fitted with a permanent pacemaker upon his return to Norway, and he reduced his public appearances to accommodate his recovery.
On Saturday, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre wished the queen a swift return to her usual activities. “We all hope she will soon be ready for new skiing trips,” said Støre, according to Kristeligt Dagblad. She was known for her enthusiasm for winter sports and often spent time in the mountains.
Just before her hospitalization, Queen Sonja appeared publicly on January 9, where she met representatives from an association for immigrant and refugee women. She showed no discomfort during that event, reported El Economista. Her setback came unexpectedly, though officials stated that she was in stable condition.
Following her release, palace representatives announced that she would have no official engagements in the coming weeks and would rest at home under medical supervision. They confirmed that her condition was not deemed serious but that she required adequate recovery time. The prime minister and the public continued to offer support, confident that the queen would soon resume her favorite pastimes, including skiing in the Lillehammer region.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.