Health concerns grow after Queen Margrethe II rushed to Copenhagen hospital

Former Danish monarch Margrethe II has been admitted to hospital in Copenhagen after suffering angina, according to the Danish Royal House. The 86-year-old was taken to Rigshospitalet today Thursday, May 14, and is expected to remain there over the weekend for observation and further examinations. The Danish court confirmed in a statement that the former queen was hospitalised due to “heart cramps”, the Danish term commonly used for angina pectoris, a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Officials said she was “tired, but in good spirits”. Margrethe cancelled a planned engagement earlier in the day before the announcement of her hospitalisation. Danish media reported growing concern after her absence from recent public appearances. No further medical details have yet been released by the royal household, and it remains unclear whether additional treatment will be required following the examinations.

Health concerns have increased in recent years

The hospital admission follows a series of health problems affecting the former queen in recent years. In 2023, Margrethe underwent major back surgery, spending several weeks recovering before returning to public duties. She later referred to the operation during her New Year speech announcing her abdication, saying it had caused her to reflect on her future role and responsibilities. She was also hospitalised in September 2024 after falling at Fredensborg Castle, suffering injuries including a fractured wrist and damage to vertebrae in her neck.

Although she later recovered, the incident renewed public discussion in Denmark about her health and advancing age. In May 2025, the former queen spent several days in hospital after becoming ill with a cold. Despite these setbacks, she has continued to take part in selected royal events, cultural engagements and family occasions since stepping down from the throne. Most recently, Margrethe attended celebrations connected to the 80th birthday of Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and events marking the anniversary of Denmark’s liberation during the Second World War.

Abdication brought end to historic reign

Margrethe abdicated on January 14 2024 after 52 years on the Danish throne, formally handing power to her eldest son, King Frederik X. The decision surprised many people in Denmark, where monarchs traditionally remain on the throne for life. She became queen in January 1972 following the death of her father, King Frederik IX, and went on to become the longest-serving monarch in Danish history.

During her reign she remained one of Denmark’s most recognisable and popular public figures, known for her direct manner and annual New Year speeches watched by millions across the country. Beyond her constitutional role, Margrethe also became known for her artistic and cultural interests. She worked as an illustrator, costume designer and translator, contributing to theatre productions, films and book projects over several decades.

Public attention focused on Copenhagen hospital

News of the former queen’s hospitalisation quickly attracted widespread attention across Denmark and other European countries, with Danish broadcasters interrupting regular programming to provide updates from the royal household. Large numbers of Danes continue to follow developments involving Margrethe despite her abdication, reflecting her long-standing place in Danish public life and the continuing popularity of the monarchy.

The Danish Royal House said further updates would be provided if there were significant developments in her condition. For now, Margrethe remains under medical observation at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen while doctors continue examinations.