Queen Margrethe II Released from Hospital After Fall at Fredensborg Castle

Denmark‘s former monarch, Queen Margrethe II, has been released from the hospital following a fall earlier this week that resulted in injuries, as reported by the Royal Danish Palace on Friday. The 84-year-old sustained “damage around the neck vertebrae as well as a fracture of the left hand” and will be required to wear a plaster cast and a stiff neck collar during her recovery period, the palace confirmed.

The fall occurred on Wednesday evening at Fredensborg Castle, located north of Copenhagen, leading to her immediate hospitalization at a university hospital in the Danish capital for observation. The royal household communicated that “Her Majesty is in good spirits and doing well, but will require a considerable recovery period.”

A number of Queen Margrethe’s public engagements have been postponed as she recuperates at Fredensborg Castle. Among cancellations, her presence at an event marking the 75th anniversary of the Department of Archaeology at Aarhus University, which she had been scheduled to attend, will not take place.

Queen Margrethe II made history earlier this year by abdicating the throne, becoming Denmark’s first monarch in nearly 900 years to do so. The Queen, whose reign lasted 52 years, handed over the throne to her son, now King Frederik X. This decision, announced in her New Year’s address, was primarily driven by her declining health following extensive back surgery.

King Frederik X, her eldest son, has been active in royal duties, attending events such as the centenary celebrations for the Copenhagen Royal Chapel Choir at the City Hall. While there, he reassured the public about his mother’s condition, stating, “She is in good hands… we take it day by day.”

Queen Margrethe, who once said she would not abdicate, referenced her health as a significant factor in her decision to step down. In a statement made after her surgery, she expressed gratitude towards the healthcare staff and acknowledged it was time for the next generation to assume responsibilities.

The former queen retains the title “Her Majesty Queen Margrethe” and can serve as regent if her son, his wife Queen Mary, or Crown Prince Christian are unavailable.

Queen Margrethe II, known for her grounded personality, is a beloved figure in Denmark, having often engaged with society in unconventional ways for a monarch, such as shopping at supermarkets and visiting Danish troops abroad.