Queen Margrethe II suffers fresh health setback, less than two weeks after heart attack

Denmark's Queen Margrethe II has been admitted to hospital for a blood clot, less than two weeks after suffering a heart attack.

The 86-year-old returned to the National Hospital (Rigshospitalet) in Copenhagen on Monday, the Royal House of Denmark said.

A CT scan revealed a large blood clot in the hip region, following a bad fall in September.

The former monarch will remain in hospital for the coming days, the palace said.

Last week, Queen Margrethe underwent a balloon angioplasty to the coronary artery days after having a heart attack, on May 14.

She had been discharged from hospital and returned home to Fredensborg Palace to rest.

Since her abdication two years ago, Margrethe has continued to carry out official duties but on a much smaller scale to when she was on the throne.

READ MORE: William says his family 'couldn't cope' without Catherine

READ MORE: Nurse to marry into British royal family next week

READ MORE: Princess living in Sydney attends first public event

Her decision to step down after a 52-year-reign came after a number of health issues, including major back surgery in early 2023.

Queen Margrethe will miss her son's 58th birthday celebrations today (May 26).

King Frederik X and Queen Mary will be joined by their children on the balcony of Frederik VIII's Palace at Amalienborg, in Copenhagen.

Margrethe II's latest health setback came as her son and daughter-in-law hosted the Royal Run which has quickly become one of the most popular national fitness events in Denmark.

The royal family took part in the event at various locations across the country: King Frederik ran in Middelfart, Queen Mary was in Helsingør, Crown Prince Christian completed the run in Ringkøbing while Princess Isabella, Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent ran in Copenhagen.

Queen Mary and King Frederik returned to the capital to watch runners cross the finish line for the last race, which passed by the royal family's palace.

Organisers had confirmed the Royal Run would go ahead as planned, despite the queen's hospitalisation.

King Frederik was asked about his mother's condition as he completed the long route, making light of the situation: "I have a pretty cool mum who doesn't have to run 10 kilometres like me".

He said he would visit her in hospital "when the opportunity arises".

Queen Mary told reporters Margrethe's surgery "has gone well and as planned and she is in the best of hands".

"Of course it's a downer," Mary added. "But she won't like me saying that."

The Royal Run was created to celebrate Frederik's 50th birthday in 2018 and each year sees around 100k people take part.

Participants can choose to run or walk three distances: the one mile (1,609 km), five kilometres or 10 kilometres.

Frederik and his family have ran in the event each year.