1 DECEMBER 2003
King Harald of Norway has been diagnosed with cancer of the bladder, doctors revealed on Monday.

The 66-year-old monarch will undergo surgery to remove his bladder on December 8, and will need up to three weeks to recuperate. King Harald, who shelved official duties last week leaving his son Crown Prince Haakon as regent, will continue sick leave for two to three months.

However, doctors said the cancer had been detected early and the king should be able to lead a normal life after treatment.

The announcement, made by the king's physicians during a Monday afternoon press conference, came nearly one week after King Harald checked into hospital suffering from haematuria, which, in layman's terms, is blood in the urine. Though he was released last Wednesday after undergoing a series of tests, he returned on Sunday for an overnight stay.