Effective January 27, 2026, the named portfolio management team responsible for the day-to-day oversight of Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (the "Fund") is as follows:

Michael Buchanan
Walter Kilcullen
Christopher Kilpatrick
John Hwang
Ryan Kohan

Data and commentary provided in this press release are for informational purposes only. Franklin Resources and its affiliates do not engage in selling shares of the Fund.

For more information about the Fund, please call Fund Investor Services: 1-888-777-0102, or consult the Fund's website at www.franklintempleton.com/investments/options/closed-end-funds. The information contained on the Fund's website is not part of this press release. Hard copies of the Fund's complete audited financial statements are available free of charge upon request.

The Fund's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Similar to stocks, Fund share prices will fluctuate with market conditions and, at the time of sale, may be worth more or less than the original investment. Shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount to their net asset value and can increase an investor's risk of loss. All investments are subject to risk, including the risk of loss.

About Western Asset

Western Asset is one of the world's leading fixed-income managers with 50 years of experience and $222.2 billion in assets under management (AUM) as of December 31, 2025. With a focus on long-term fundamental value investing that employs a top-down and bottom-up approach, the firm has nine offices around the globe and deep experience across the range of fixed income sectors. Founded in 1971, Western Asset has been recognized for delivering superior levels of client service alongside its approach emphasizing team management and intensive proprietary research, supported by robust risk management. To learn more about Western Asset, please visit www.westernasset.com. Western Asset is an independent specialist investment manager of Franklin Templeton.

About Franklin Templeton

Franklin Templeton is a trusted investment partner, delivering tailored solutions that align with clients' strategic goals. With deep portfolio management expertise across public and private markets, we combine investment excellence with cutting-edge technology. Since our founding in 1947, we have empowered clients through strategic partnerships, forward-looking insights, and continuous innovations – providing the tools and resources to navigate change and capture opportunity.

To learn more, visit franklintempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn

Category: Fund Announcement

Source: Franklin Resources, Inc.

Source: Legg Mason Closed End Funds

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260127890570/en/

Media Contact: Jeaneen Terrio

+1-212-632-4005

Jeaneen.Terrio@franklintempleton.com

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (NYSE: HIX) Announces Portfolio Management Team Update