Denmark's former queen, Margrethe, has been rushed to hospital following a fall. The 86-year-old, who abdicated two years ago, was examined by doctors at Copenhagen's Rigshospitalet, who discovered 'a significant accumulation of blood in the hip area following a fall.' She is expected to remain in hospital for several more days. Despite this, Denmark's royal family stated she is 'doing well under the circumstances.'
Recent Health Issues
Earlier this month, Margrethe spent several days in hospital after undergoing an angioplasty, a procedure that opens up closed or narrowed blood vessels. A heavy smoker for much of her life, she remains popular among Danes for subtly modernising the monarchy but has faced multiple health problems in recent years. She had long maintained she would never abdicate, but a major back operation in 2023 led her to change her mind. She stepped down in January 2024, passing the throne to her son, King Frederik X.
Continued Public Role
Despite her abdication, Margrethe still plays a significant role in public life. Last month, she chided current monarch Queen Mary after Mary crouched down to stroke a dog at a royal event. In the family's first outing following the death of Mary's father, John Dalgleish Donaldson, Mary joined Margrethe's 86th birthday celebrations in Fredensborg. The mother-of-four, dressed in a smart navy suit, stood alongside her husband, King Frederik, Margrethe, and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece as they waved to well-wishers. When Margrethe's dog Tilia appeared, Mary bent down to stroke the dachshund, but Margrethe shook her head and said, 'I don't think this is the right time for that,' causing Mary to stop abruptly.
The incident was reminiscent of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Margrethe's distant cousin, scolding Prince William in 2016 on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour. The late monarch tapped William on the arm and gestured for him to stand up as he crouched to tend to Prince George. Close examination appeared to show Queen Elizabeth saying, 'Stand up William,' and William rose sheepishly.
Queen Mary's Father's Death
Just last month, Queen Mary announced the death of her father, John. She said, 'My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are grey. My beloved father has passed away. But I know that when the grief settles, the memories will brighten my day, and what will remain strongest is love and gratitude for everything he gave me and taught me.' Denmark's royal house said Donaldson's health had been declining over the past few years, and Mary visited him in late March. The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. Donaldson was a professor of applied mathematics, born in Scotland on September 5, 1941. He moved to Tasmania with his first wife, Henrietta Clark Horne, in November 1963, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, on February 5, 1972, in Hobart.
