Royal makes rare public appearance after sudden hospital admission

Queen Margrethe of Denmark has made a rare solo appearance just weeks after her two-night hospital stay last month. The 85-year-old, who is the former monarch of Denmark, stepped out as she visited Sofieskolen.

The school specialises in children with autism, for which the royal has been a patron since 1964. She was recently hospitalised from May 8 and 10 after contracting "a cold" and was admitted for the purpose of "observation as a precaution".

The Danish royal household later revealed: "Her Majesty is well and is now back in her residence at Fredensborg Palace."

As part of her recent solo appearance, the royal attended the Sofieskolen in the Copenhagen suburb of Bagsværd as students had prepared an exhibition with the theme of "a royal universe".

Documenting the visit, the Danish palace said: "Experienced the many creative works that the students had created with inspiration from Her Majesty's artistic work, the royal family and the royals castles.

"The opening marked the end of a theme week, where the students have worked with both history, architecture and art.

"Her Majesty Queen Margrethe has been the patron of the Sofieskolen since 1968.

"The school was founded as the first special school for children with autism in the Nordic countries and today has around 60 students."

The Danish royal abdicated the throne in January 2024, after 52 years as monarch.

She filled in the role as regent while King Frederik and his family went on holiday for his birthday.