Denmark’s Queen Margrethe, aged 86, was admitted to Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen on May 14, 2026, after experiencing chest pain diagnosed as angina by doctors [1, 2]. The Royal House said the former monarch is tired but in good spirits and will remain under observation throughout the weekend for further tests [1, 3, 2].
Queen Margrethe abdicated the Danish throne in January 2024 after reigning for 52 years, passing the crown to her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik [1, 2]. Earlier this month, she appeared at King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden’s 80th birthday celebrations, showing her active public role despite recent health issues [1].
Her medical history includes major back surgery in 2023, which prompted public discussion about her abdication timeline. In 2024, she was hospitalised following a fall at Fredensborg Castle but recovered [1, 3, 2].
There is some discrepancy about the cause of her May 14 hospitalisation. While two sources confirmed angina, one source reported it as a heart attack [s1,s3 versus s2]. Despite this, the Royals emphasized she remains mentally well and in good spirits.
Known for her artistic talents in costume design, book illustration, and literary translation, Queen Margrethe has maintained a prominent cultural role alongside her royal duties [1, 2].
She will stay in Rigshospitalet over the weekend for ongoing monitoring and additional examinations to assess and manage her condition [1, 3, 2].
