Denmark’s former monarch, Queen Margrethe II, has been admitted to hospital after a suspected heart attack.
The 86-year-old, who abdicated the throne in 2024 in favour of her son King Frederik X and Australian-born Queen Mary, is recovering in Copenhagen’s Rigshospitalet.
In a statement, the Danish Royal House confirmed that Margrethe had been admitted on Thursday afternoon and would remain in hospital over the weekend “for observation and further examinations”.
“Her Majesty Queen Margrethe has been admitted to Rigshospitalet this afternoon due to heart attack.
“Queen Margrethe will be hospitalised over the weekend for observation and further examinations.
“Her Majesty is tired, but in good spirits.
“The Royal House will announce when there is news.”
The health scare came on the same day King Frederik and Queen Mary marked their 22nd wedding anniversary.
Margrethe’s most recent public appearance was at celebrations for King Carl XVI Gustaf’s 80th birthday on April 30, attended by royal families from across Europe.
Since stepping down after a 52-year reign, Margrethe has continued carrying out a smaller number of official duties. Her decision to abdicate followed a series of health issues, including major back surgery in 2023.
In her New Year’s Eve speech announcing her plans to step down, she said the surgery had prompted “thoughts about the future”.
“I have decided that now is the right time,” she said.
“The time takes its toll, and the number of ‘ailments’ increases… One cannot undertake as much as one managed in the past,” she added.
Margrethe has used a walking stick in recent years and was hospitalised briefly in 2025 after contracting a cold.
Despite ongoing health concerns, she remains one of Denmark’s most popular public figures. A poll by Danish broadcaster DR in December found she had an approval rating of 88 per cent, slightly ahead of King Frederik and Queen Mary.
Throughout her reign, Margrethe became known for her informal style, often walking through Copenhagen with little security, and for her interests in art, design and languages.
Image: Michael W. Holm / Shutterstock.com
