Queen Margrethe of Denmark has once again been hospitalised, marking her second visit in a two-week span. The Royal House announced on May 25 that the 86-year-old former monarch was admitted to Rigshospitalet following the discovery of a significant blood clot in her hip, a complication arising from a previous fall.
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In their statement, the Royal House provided details about the Queen’s condition, indicating that the blood clot was identified through a CT scan conducted after her hospital admission. The release noted, “Her Majesty Queen Margrethe has been admitted to Rigshospitalet for treatment. It is anticipated that she will remain in hospital for several days. Her Majesty is doing well under the circumstances.”
This latest medical setback comes just 11 days following Queen Margrethe’s previous hospitalisation, where she was treated for a heart attack. During this initial incident, the Royal House reassured the public, stating that the Queen would remain in hospital for observation and further tests over the weekend. At that time, they described her as “tired but in good spirits.”
The announcement of the Queen’s hospitalisation coincided with the Danish royal family’s participation in Royal Run, an annual sporting event. This has been a challenging period for Queen Margrethe, whose health has been a concern following her abdication in January 2024. The former monarch made history as the first Danish sovereign to voluntarily resign from the throne in nearly nine centuries, passing the crown to her eldest son, King Frederik.
Despite stepping down, Queen Margrethe retained her title and is still referred to as Her Majesty. Her abdication took place on the 52nd anniversary of her accession, a poignant moment in Denmark’s royal history. At that time, King Frederik’s Australian-born wife was elevated to Queen Mary, but the former monarch’s role within the royal framework remains significant.
Following her recent discharge from the hospital on May 20, Queen Mary provided an update on her mother-in-law’s health, revealing that Queen Margrethe is recovering well and heading home to Fredensborg. The Queen Consort expressed her relief, stating, “She is doing much better. And fortunately, she is now on her way home… Now we are neighbours, so it’s absolutely wonderful. Yes, it’s great.”
In her New Year’s Eve abdication speech, Queen Margrethe attributed her decision to her health. She had undergone extensive back surgery in February of the same year, which prompted her to reflect on her future as monarch. “Inevitably, the operation gave cause to thoughts about the future – whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation. I have decided that now is the right time,” she remarked then.
After her abdication, the former Queen remained engaged in public duties, although her schedule was frequently interrupted by health issues. She faced several hospital visits throughout the last year due to various ailments, including a fall and a bout of illness related to a cold.
As the royal family continues their engagements, many in Denmark and beyond send their best wishes for a swift recovery for Queen Margrethe. Her long-standing service and dedication to her country have left an indelible mark on the Danish monarchy. As updates on her condition are awaited, the thoughts of many lie with her during this challenging time.