Queen Margrethe, 86, Hospitalized for Third Time This Year, Will Miss King Harald’s Funeral

The Danish monarch abdicated the throne in January 2024, citing her health as a factor

NEED TO KNOW

• Queen Margrethe of Denmark has been hospitalized for the third time this year
• The palace announced that the Queen is being treated for a blood clot and mild dehydration
• The Danish monarch abdicated the throne in January 2024, citing her health as a factor

Queen Margrethe of Denmark has been hospitalized for the third time this year.

Amalienborg Palace issued a press release with the news on Sunday, Sept. 6, stating, “Queen Margrethe was admitted to Rigshospitalet on Sunday after feeling unwell. A new blood clot in the hip region & mild dehydration have been detected, both of which are being treated.”

“Queen Margrethe is in good spirits &, given the circumstances, is doing well,” the statement continued. “The Royal House will announce when there is news.”

The former sovereign, 86, who abdicated the throne in 2024, is expected to be hospitalized this week for observation and treatment, meaning she will not be able to attend the state funeral of King Harald of Norway on Wednesday. In her place, her son and successor, King Frederik, is expected to attend, along with his wife, Queen Mary, his son and heir, Crown Prince Christian, and Queen Margrethe’s younger sister, Princess Benedikte.

King Frederik was one of the first world leaders to pay tribute to King Harald shortly after news of his death became public. On the royal family’s social media pages, he shared a letter written to the late King’s son and heir, the new King Haakon VIII.

“Dear Haakon, it is with great sorrow that we have learned about the death of your father, His Majesty King Harald. We send our warmest thoughts and condolences to Aunt Sonja, to you and Mette-Marit, and to your family,” King Frederik wrote.

“Your father meant a great deal to my mother and both of us. With his warm and dry sense of humor and unwavering calm, Uncle Harald made others feel comfortable and at ease in his presence,” he continued. “He was an extraordinary man, with a twinkle in his eye and a big heart.”

King Frederik described King Harald as a “cherished” person who “will be missed by many,” while praising his leadership. He also emphasized the “strong” bonds built between Denmark and Norway.

“Your father will stand as a symbol of that which binds us together,” he continued. “You now step into your role as king. It is one that we know you will bear with the same honour and dignity as your father. May faith, hope, and love follow you and give you strength on your journey.”

Queen Margrethe cited her health as a reason for stepping down in the shocking speech announcing her abdication on New Year’s Eve 2023.

“In February this year, I underwent extensive back surgery. Everything went well, thanks to the competent health personnel, who took care of me,” she said at the time. “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.”

Following the abdication, Queen Margrethe continued to take on public engagements; however, she has been sidelined by hospitalizations multiple times over the past few years.

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On May 25, she was admitted to Rigshospitalet after a CT scan showed a large blood clot in her hip as a result of a previous fall.

“Her Majesty is doing well under the circumstances,” the Palace’s statement said at the time.

That came just 11 days after the Palace announced the Queen was undergoing treatment at the same hospital after suffering a heart attack.

In 2025, she was also hospitalized twice: once after a fall and once when she contracted a cold.

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