Former Queen Margrethe has been admitted to Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen after feeling unwell, and she will not attend King Harald’s funeral on Wednesday.
DR reported on Saturday that the 86-year-old former monarch was hospitalized after an episode of feeling unwell. At the hospital, doctors identified a new blood accumulation in the hip region as well as mild dehydration. Both conditions are being treated.
According to the Royal House, Margrethe is in good spirits and is doing well under the circumstances. She is expected to remain hospitalized during the coming week, both for observation and for treatment. The Royal House said it will issue an update when there is news.
No further details about the cause of the episode were given in the announcement. The Royal House did not indicate a specific discharge date beyond the coming week. Statements about the health of members of the Danish monarchy are issued by the palace itself.
Denmark’s delegation at the funeral
As a result of the hospitalization, Margrethe will not take part in the funeral of Norway’s King Harald on Wednesday. DR reports that Denmark will instead be represented by King Frederik, Queen Mary, Crown Prince Christian and Princess Benedikte.
Margrethe returned to her royal duties on June 11, according to DR. At that engagement she used a walker while presenting the Prince Henrik Prize. It was her first public appearance in the role after a period away from official duties.
The hip region has been a recurring focus of her medical care in recent years, as reflected in earlier reports on the former queen’s hospital stays. The current admission concerns a new blood accumulation in that area, the Royal House stated. Mild dehydration is being treated at the same time.
Rigshospitalet in central Copenhagen is Denmark’s largest hospital and its main referral center for specialized treatment. The Royal House did not say whether any procedure is planned during the stay. Its statement described the coming week as a period of observation and treatment.
Margrethe reigned for 52 years before stepping down on January 14, 2024, when her son became King Frederik X. Since then she has continued to carry out selected engagements as a member of the royal family. Her role and legacy are described further in coverage of Margrethe II.
DR notes that the palace communicates directly when there is new information about her condition. No additional announcements had been made at the time of publication on Saturday.
