Norwegian king taken ill after meeting with coronavirus-positive minister

The king of Norway will be taking off for a few days after exhibiting cold symptoms following a meeting with a government minister who later found out he was positive for COVID-19.

King Harald V, who is 84 years old and has had health problems in the past, has given his duties to his son, Crown Prince Haakon, as he recovers, The Associated Press reported.

"All necessary examinations and tests will be carried out," the palace said in a statement.

"I sincerely hope that I have not infected King Harald, Queen Sonja or Crown Prince Haakon," Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said to a local news outlet, according to the AP.

The king of Norway has no political power and is simply a ceremonial ruler in the country.

Harald is fully vaccinated against the virus and has received a booster shot.