The Danish Royal House has shared an update on the health of Queen Margrethe. The Queen, 86, was admitted to Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen on Thursday after experiencing chest pains, a condition known as angina pectoris. In a statement released Friday morning, the Royal House confirmed the procedure she underwent and announced that she would remain hospitalized for a few more days.
© NurPhoto via Getty Images"Her Majesty Queen Margrethe, who was admitted on Thursday to Rigshospitalet, has received an angioplasty with a balloon in a coronary artery," reads the statement, as translated by HOLA! Spain. "As we've shared before, Queen Margrethe will stay in the hospital for a couple of days. Her Majesty is recovering satisfactorily."
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open blood vessels that are blocked or narrowed, restoring normal blood flow. It is most commonly applied to coronary arteries, though it can also be performed in other parts of the body, including the neck, kidneys, and legs. In the coming days, the Royal House should release further updates on the Queen's recovery.
© NurPhoto via Getty ImagesWhat Is Chest Angina?
Angina refers to pain or pressure in the chest that typically occurs when the heart is not receiving sufficient blood and oxygen. It is a condition associated with the coronary arteries and often manifests as a tightening or crushing sensation in the chest that can spread to the arms, back, neck, shoulder, and jaw. While it does not always lead to a heart attack, it's considered a cardiac warning sign.
Despite the hospitalization, the Royal House has not suspended Queen Margrethe's upcoming engagements. She is currently scheduled to attend a theater premiere in Copenhagen on May 23rd.
© UK Press via Getty ImagesRetaining Her Public Agenda
Queen Margrethe's most recent public engagement before her hospitalization was on April 30th, when she traveled to Stockholm to attend the celebrations for King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden's 80th birthday. The Queen appeared in good form as she took part in the Te Deum service, a luncheon, and a grand banquet at the Royal Palace of Stockholm, attended by royal families from across Europe.
In February 2023, Queen Margrethe underwent extensive back surgery to address some symptoms affecting her quality of life. The procedure required a significant period of rehabilitation and played a role in her decision to abdicate.
Margrethe passed the throne to her eldest son, Frederik, in January 2024, after reigning for 52 years. He's now King alongside his wife, Queen Mary. "The surgery made me think about my future and whether the time had come to pass this responsibility on to the next generation," said Margrethe at the time, as reported by HOLA! Spain.
© Martin Sylvest Andersen
