Queen Margrethe Hospitalized in Copenhagen for Angina

Queen Margrethe was admitted to a Copenhagen hospital for angina, the latest health-related development involving Denmark's former monarch. A royal family spokesperson said she will be hospitalized over the weekend for observation and further examinations.

Frederik and Queen Mary

The palace said Margrethe “is tired but in good spirits.” The 84-year-old abdicated in favor of her son, King Frederik, just over two years ago, and Queen Mary took up the formal title of queen after Frederik became king.

Margrethe's departure from the throne made her the first Danish monarch in almost 900 years to voluntarily abdicate. Her surprise announcement on New Year's Eve 2023 made clear that health had become part of her decision, when she said: “In February this year, I underwent extensive back surgery. Everything went well, thanks to the competent health personnel, who took care of me. 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.”

Margrethe's Public Role

Margrethe has continued to have a public role since the abdication, which makes any new hospital admission a matter of immediate attention in Denmark. She was previously hospitalized last year, though the specific cause was not shared.

For now, the practical point is straightforward: the royal family has said she will remain under observation and undergo further examinations over the weekend. Any next public update will come from the same circle around the former queen, whose health has already shaped the timing of her exit from the throne.