Denmark's Prince Frederik leaves Olympics as father's condition worsens

Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Denmark's Prince Frederik left the Olympics Friday after his father's condition took a turn for the worse.

The 49-year-old crown prince rushed home to Denmark amid news Prince Henrik's health has "greatly" deteriorated.

"The state of his Royal Highness Prince Henrik is unfortunately greatly worsened," the palace said in a statement. "The Crown Prince is now on his way to Denmark."

Prince Frederik flew home ahead of the opening ceremony at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, according to the CPH Post. The crown prince is an International Olympics Committee member.

Prince Henrik, consort to Queen Margrethe II, was diagnosed with dementia in the fall. The 83-year-old royal was hospitalized in January for a tumor in his lung that was found to be benign, and was readmitted to the hospital Feb. 2.