Queen Margrethe of Denmark, 85, Hospitalised and Cancels Royal Outing
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Queen Margrethe of Denmark is adjusting her schedule after being admitted to the hospital. On May 8, the Danish Royal House revealed that the former Queen of Denmark, aged 85, had been hospitalised due to contracting a cold. The court released a statement saying, “As a result of the cold HM Queen Margrethe has contracted, it has been decided that the Queen will be admitted to Rigshospitalet for observation as a precaution.” Consequently, the Queen’s planned royal engagement on Thursday—a visit to the Sankt Lukas Foundation’s 125th-anniversary celebration—was cancelled. Queen Margrethe took a significant step when she abdicated from the throne in January 2024 on the 52nd anniversary of her accession. This move made her the first Danish sovereign to voluntarily step down in almost 900 years, with the crown passing to her eldest son and successor, now known as King Frederik.
In conjunction with her abdication, Queen Margrethe’s Australian-born wife became Queen Mary, but Queen Margrethe retained her regal title and is styled as Her Majesty. Her decision to step down was underscored in a speech she delivered on New Year’s Eve 2023, where she mentioned undergoing successful back surgery in February of the same year. She expressed gratitude to the healthcare professionals who cared for her during that time and reflected on the operation as a pivotal moment prompting her to consider passing on the responsibility to the next generation. Queen Margrethe has continued to stay engaged with her duties even after her abdication, demonstrating her dedication to her royal role. However, her health became a concern when she fell at her Fredensborg Castle residence in September 2024 and required hospitalisation.
Before her recent hospital admission, Queen Margrethe was last seen at a peace service on May 4 at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, commemorating Denmark’s liberation 80 years prior. The event was attended by King Frederik, Queen Mary, Queen Margrethe’s sister Princess Benedikte, and two members of the British royal family, Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, and Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were present to represent the family at the commemorative service while the rest of the British royals participated in the UK’s national celebrations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The monarch celebrated her 85th birthday on April 16 at Fredensborg Castle, surrounded by her family, marking a significant milestone in her life. During the intimate birthday banquet at Dome Hall, she blew out candles on a cake adorned with dozens of candles, symbolising her long and illustrious life.
The well-being of Queen Margrethe is of utmost importance, and her recent hospitalisation serves as a reminder of her advancing age and the need for regular health monitoring. Despite stepping down from the throne, she continues to maintain a visible presence within the Danish royal family and actively participates in significant events and ceremonies. The public eagerly awaits updates on her health and wishes her a speedy recovery as she receives medical care. Queen Margrethe’s resilience and dedication to her royal duties over the years have endeared her to the Danish populace, who hold her in high regard for her service to the nation. In times of uncertainty, the stability and continuity provided by the royal family offer a sense of unity and tradition to the people of Denmark, fostering a strong connection between the monarchy and its citizens.