By Sámediggi – Sametinget – https://www.flickr.com/photos/105581391@N02/51610815769/, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

King Harald of Norway is taking several days off after contracting a respiratory infection.

His heir, Crown Prince Haakon, will act as regent until February

King Harald, who celebrates his 87th birthday in just a few days’ time, is recuperating at home while Crown Prince Haakon takes on his engagements.

Soon after the announcement was made, the Crown Prince was joined by his mother, Queen Sonja, for an event commemorating King Magnus VI, the first to bring Norway under one rule of law.

Meanwhile, Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been undertaking a high profile visit to Cairo as January comes to an end.