Queen Margrethe of Denmark, 84, recently made her first appearance since being hospitalized in September following a fall. Although she was discharged a day after her injury, this engagement marks her official return to royal duties.
The Queen attended the presentation of the Ebbe Munck Award, which honors those contributing to fields of interest to Ebbe Munck, a notable WWII resistance fighter. Among the recipients was EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager.
Dressed elegantly in a light blue gown, Margrethe appeared in good spirits as she distributed the awards, carrying a black bag and using a walking stick.
Although she abdicated earlier this year, Queen Margrethe continues to perform some ceremonial roles, including this award presentation, which she regularly oversaw prior to stepping down.
In September, a spokesperson confirmed Margrethe had been admitted to Copenhagen’s university hospital for observation after her fall. At the time, a statement noted, “According to the circumstances, the Queen is doing well but was admitted for observation,” adding that she had sustained injuries affecting her neck vertebrae and a fractured left hand.
Following her discharge, it was confirmed she would wear a neck collar and a plaster cast on her hand for the coming months.
The Queen had been on medical leave since the accident but briefly appeared on October 8 to welcome Iceland’s Prime Minister, Halla Tómasdóttir, during a state visit. As of now, no further engagements are scheduled for the rest of the year.
Queen Margrethe’s health has posed ongoing challenges; last year, she underwent back surgery to address chronic back pain, one of the factors behind her decision to abdicate.
