Queen Margrethe, 86, Hospitalized for Third Time This Year, Will Miss King Harald’s Funeral

Queen Margrethe of Denmark has experienced a concerning health setback, leading to her recent hospitalisation for the third time this year. This latest health issue has included the detection of a blood clot in her hip, alongside mild dehydration, which necessitated her admission to Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. The official announcement from Amalienborg Palace confirmed that the 86-year-old monarch was feeling unwell on Sunday, 6 September, prompting her to seek medical attention.

According to the palace, the Queen is “in good spirits” given the circumstances, with her medical team working to address her health concerns effectively. An official statement indicated that the Royal House would inform the public of any developments regarding her condition as they arise.

Due to this hospitalisation, Queen Margrethe will unfortunately miss the state funeral of King Harald of Norway, which is scheduled for Wednesday. In her absence, her son, King Frederik, along with his wife, Queen Mary, their son Crown Prince Christian, and Queen Margrethe’s younger sister, Princess Benedikte, are expected to represent the Danish royal family at the solemn event.

Following the announcement of King Harald’s passing, King Frederik expressed his deep sorrow through a heartfelt tribute shared on social media. Frederik conveyed his condolences to King Harald’s family, emphasising the considerable impact the late monarch had on his life and highlighting their strong familial bond. His message praised King Harald for his warmth, sense of humour, and his ability to create comfort for those around him.

In a touching letter to King Harald’s successor, King Haakon VIII, King Frederik reflected on the legacy of his uncle, describing him as an extraordinary individual whose leadership would be sorely missed. The newly appointed king was assured of support as he stepped into his new role. Frederik’s words also recognised the enduring connection between Denmark and Norway, acknowledging the deep ties forged through both personal relationships and shared history.

The health of Queen Margrethe has been a topic of concern since her abdication, which she announced in a surprising New Year’s Eve speech. Citing her health as a significant factor, she took the moment to reflect on her extensive back surgery earlier in the year and the implications for her future role. Queen Margrethe stated that her recovery had led her to consider the necessity of transitioning the royal responsibilities to the next generation, thus deciding that the time had come to relinquish the throne.

Since stepping down, her public appearances have continued, but she has faced multiple medical challenges that have resulted in brief hospitalisations over the last few years. In May, for instance, she was admitted to hospital for treatment related to a sizeable blood clot discovered following a fall. Just weeks prior to this incident, she had suffered a heart attack, which had already raised alarms about her health.

Queen Margrethe’s recent hospitalisation follows a series of health-related events that have increasingly put her under medical scrutiny. In 2025, she was hospitalised twice, once due to a fall and another time for contracting a cold. This latest episode is especially notable given her long-standing role as the monarch, having reigned for over half a century.

As the country watches and hopes for the Queen’s swift recovery, the Danish royal family is left to navigate their duties during this challenging time. With King Frederik now set to fulfil royal obligations and represent Denmark at the funeral, the legacy of Queen Margrethe will undoubtedly remain close to the hearts and minds of her subjects. The royal household has promised to keep the public updated on the Queen’s health as she continues to receive care.