Denmark’s Queen Margrethe hospitalised with angina at 86

Denmark’s Queen Margrethe has been admitted to Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen with angina, a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, the Danish royal household announced on Friday.

A medical expert described the situation as “quite normal” for her age, according to a report by Danish broadcaster DR.

Peter Qvortrup Geisling, a physician and health correspondent for DR, said the condition—while serious-sounding—was a common occurrence in older adults. “The most important thing here is: stay calm. No reason for major concern,” he told DR.

Angina typically results from cholesterol buildup narrowing the coronary arteries, reducing oxygen supply to the heart. “Cholesterol deposits come with age,” Geisling explained. “The queen is 86 years old, and it would be strange if she didn’t have some deposits in her coronary arteries.”

This marks the first publicised instance of heart-related treatment for the queen, who has previously been hospitalised for cancer treatment, colds, and back surgery.

The royal household stated that Queen Margrethe, who celebrated her 86th birthday on 16 April, will remain under observation and undergo further testing over the weekend. She is described as tired but in good spirits.

Treatment and next steps

Symptoms of angina often include pressure or squeezing pain in the chest, which may radiate to the left arm, neck, back, or jaw—particularly during physical exertion, cold exposure, or stress.

Geisling said the queen has likely received nitroglycerin, a medication that relieves chest pain. Over the coming days, doctors are expected to examine her coronary arteries to assess the extent of any blockages.

If significant narrowing is found, a balloon angioplasty—a common procedure to widen arteries—may be performed to prevent blood clots. “At 86, the focus isn’t on prevention lectures but on treating symptoms so they don’t recur,” Geisling noted.

He emphasised that the queen is receiving care at one of Denmark’s leading cardiac units. “She’s in the very best hands.”