Queen Sonja of Norway, 88, has been admitted to a hospital in Oslo due to cardiac complications. Doctors have diagnosed atrial fibrillation and heart failure, forcing the cancellation of her official agenda. She will remain under observation and undergo tests for several days. This is not her first cardiac scare: in 2025 she was hospitalized for similar ailments and received a pacemaker.
Pacemaker and monitoring: technology at the service of royalty 🏥
Modern pacemakers, like the one implanted in the queen in 2025, regulate the heart rhythm through electrical impulses. These devices correct atrial fibrillation and prevent episodes of heart failure. Their operation is based on sensors that detect abnormalities and send signals to the heart to maintain a stable rate. In cases of deterioration, external adjustments or generator replacements are used, a minor surgical process that extends the device's lifespan.
The heart of a queen: more wires than in a royal palace ⚡
Queen Sonja already has a pacemaker, but it seems her heart still wants extra attention. Perhaps she should swap her crown for a portable charger. At 88 years old and with two admissions for the same problem, one might think Norway should install defibrillators on all thrones. That said, while doctors monitor her, at least she gets a break from signing documents and greeting tourists.