Queen Margrethe has been taken to hospital, where she will remain under observation for the next few days, according to the Palace.
The former Danish Queen, who abdicated the throne in 2024 in favour of her son, King Frederik, was admitted to Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen on Sunday with a new blood clot in the hip area and dehydration.
This means the 86-year-old will not be able to travel to Oslo on Wednesday to attend the state funeral of King Harald of Norway as planned.
A statement from the Danish Royal Household read: “Her Majesty Queen Margrethe was admitted to Rigshospitalet on Sunday after feeling unwell.
© AFP via Getty ImagesQueen Margrethe was last seen on 8 August at an open-air market in France
“A new blood clot was detected in her hip area, as well as mild dehydration.”
It’s understood that the former monarch will remain in hospital for the next week for treatment and medical observation.
The statement concluded: “Queen Margrethe is in good spirits and is progressing well under the circumstances. The Royal House will provide further information as soon as there are any updates.”
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A close relationship with the Norway royals
The Palace added that Margrethe’s condition means “regrettably,” she will not be able to attend King Harald’s funeral this Wednesday.
The Norwegian King passed away on 28 August at the age of 89 at the National Hospital in Oslo, where he had been treated for a rare blood condition.
© GettyQueen Margrethe and King Harald of Norway were third cousins (pictured 2023)
Not being able to attend his funeral will be a sad blow for Queen Margrethe, as they were third cousins.
She is also close with Harald’s widow, Queen Sonja, and has visited Norway regularly over the years.
Representatives from the Danish royal family will still attend, however, as Frederik, Queen Mary, Crown Prince Christian, and Princess Benedikte are confirmed to be travelling to Norway.
Queen Margrethe’s recent health problems
Queen Margrethe was hospitalised back in May after suffering from angina, and returned to Rigshospitalet a week later.
Angina causes pain, pressure, and tightness in the chest when the heart muscle does not receive enough blood and oxygen.
© Alamy Stock PhotoMargrethe abdicated in favour of King Frederik and Queen Mary
The Royal House, headed by King Frederik X, informed the media at the time that the Queen “has been admitted to Rigshospitalet and is receiving treatment after a CT scan revealed a large blood clot in her hip area as a result of a previous fall.”
In September 2024, Margrethe was hospitalised after suffering a fall at Fredensborg Palace. The accident resulted in a cervical spine injury and a fracture in her left hand.
She had already undergone complex back surgery in 2023 and abdicated in her traditional New Year’s Eve address after 52 years on the throne, citing her advanced age and failing health.
Margrethe was last pictured in public on 8 August, when she visited an open-air market in Cahors, southern France.