Queen Margrethe hospitalised twice in a fortnight with blood clot after earlier heart attack

Queen Margrethe of Denmark has been admitted to hospital for the second time in just a fortnight, the Danish Royal House confirmed over the weekend, raising fresh concerns about the 86-year-old former monarch's health.

The palace announced that Margrethe had been taken to Rigshospitalet after medical imaging uncovered a significant blood clot in her hip region, linked to an earlier fall.

In an official statement, the palace said: "Her Majesty Queen Margrethe has been admitted to Rigshospitalet and has been treated, after a CT scan showed a large blood clot in the hip region as a result of a previous fall."

Doctors expect her to remain in the hospital for several days, though officials noted she is coping well given the circumstances.

A second admission in less than two weeks

This latest hospitalisation comes only 11 days after the former monarch suffered a heart attack, which had also required treatment at Rigshospitalet.

During that earlier stay, palace officials described her as tired but maintaining good spirits whilst undergoing observation and further tests.

Queen Mary, wife of King Frederik and daughter-in-law to Queen Margrethe, offered a reassuring update to reporters when the former queen was discharged on 20 May.

"She is doing much better. And fortunately, she is now on her way home to Fredensborg," the 54-year-old Queen Consort said.

She also expressed delight at having her mother-in-law living close by, adding: "Now we are neighbours, so it's absolutely wonderful. Yes, it's great."

Health troubles since historic abdication

Queen Margrethe's well-being has been a source of ongoing concern since she underwent major back surgery in early 2024, a procedure that directly informed her landmark decision to step down from the throne.

In her New Year's Eve address in 2023, she explained: "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."

Her abdication was a historic moment, representing the first voluntary relinquishment of the Danish throne in nearly nine centuries.

She passed the crown to her eldest son, now King Frederik, whose Australian-born wife subsequently assumed the title of Queen Mary.

Despite stepping back from official duties, Queen Margrethe has continued to take part in public engagements since her abdication in January 2024, which fell on the 52nd anniversary of her accession to the throne.

However, her health has repeatedly disrupted those activities, with hospitalisations the previous year following both a fall and a bout of illness.

Royal family attends annual sporting event

News of the former queen's latest admission emerged as other members of the Danish royal family were attending Royal Run, the country's annual sporting event, where her absence was keenly felt.