Denmark's Queen Margrethe II in Hospital After Fall — King Frederik Tells Reporters 'We Take It Day by Day' When Asked About 84-Year-Old's Health
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, 84, who "shockingly" renounced the Danish throne in January after 52 years, is in Copenhagen's University Hospital after falling at her Fredensborg Castle home recently.
This led the Danish Palace's Director of Communications Lene Balleby to share, "According to the circumstances, the queen is doing well but was admitted for observation for the time being."
The ex-head of state's successor and eldest son, King Frederik X, told gathered reporters outside of an event he was attending that the queen "Is in good hands," before adding, "We take it day by day. The doctors are the ones who decide."
Margrethe II was scheduled to attend an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Department of Archaeology at Aarhus University. The ex-monarch was a lifelong archaeology enthusiast, and always said it was the profession she would have pursued if destiny had not called her to become Denmark's sovereign.
Although still beloved throughout the Scandinavian nation, Norway's King Harald V turned on the shade back in January when asked about Denmark's Queen abdicating her throne after 52 years on the job."I stick by what I’ve always said, that I swore an oath to the Storting (parliament), and it is for life," the monarch shared when asked if he had plans to abdicate his throne.
Like Great Britain's late Queen Elizabeth II, who died as her nation's monarch, Harald V is a firm believer in the ancient code of monarchy, which is to reign and serve your subjects as head of state for every second of your life. Harald V has frequently mentioned his intention to serve in his role indefinitely, which was also a contradictory frequent talking point of Denmark's now-former monarch through the years.
"It's always been: you stay as long as you live. That's what my father did and my predecessors. And the way I see it, too," the Queen stated in a 2016 interview. Her abdication was the first for a Danish sovereign in nearly 900 years and left the world with no reigning female monarch over any of its monarchies.
Harald V came to the Norwegian throne in January 1991 upon the death of his father, King Olav V. He is married to Queen Sonja, and his heir is Crown Prince Haakon, whose wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is currently dealing with her son's alleged criminal activities.
Although allegedly not in agreement with her decision, Harald V sent a message of congratulations to Denmark's new monarch, Frederik X, and his consort, Queen Mary. "My family and I wish to convey our warmest congratulations to you as Denmark’s new King and Queen," he said while also praising the former monarch by adding: "Her Majesty Queen Margrethe has followed her country and her people through times of joy and sorrow with warmth, wisdom, and dedication."
Daily Mirror reported on Margethe's fall.