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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Ryan Merrifield

Queen of Denmark tests positive for Covid days after attending Queen's funeral

Queen Margrethe of Denmark has tested positive for Covid after attending her cousin Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.

The 82-year-old royal found out she had been infected on returning to Fredensborg yesterday following the state service at Westminster Abbey on Monday.

It's the second time she's caught the virus this year.

The last reigning queen in Europe has been forced to cancel all plans for the remainder of the week while she recovers.

Margrethe is staying at Fredensborg Castle, the Danish Firm's autumn residence.

The monarch was due to host a reception at Christianborg Castle on Friday for members of the Danish government and European Parliament.

Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary will take her place.

Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden (left), and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and her son Crown Prince Frederick attending the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II (via REUTERS)

The pair were also in attendance at Elizabeth II's funeral, alongside more than 500 foreign heads of state and dignitaries.

Frederik was pictured sitting in between his mother and Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden.

During the service, the foreign royals sat opposite their British counterparts with Margrethe, as Europe’s longest-serving living monarch, at the front.

Margrethe can be seen sitting opposite King Charles, at the end of the row (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

King Charles III, the currently shortest reigning monarch, sat opposite.

Last week was the 50th anniversary of Margrethe taking the throne.

Flags at the four palaces in Amalienborg, Copenhagen, were flown at half mast to mark the passing of Elizabeth II.

Margrethe's Golden Jubilee celebrations were also scaled back in a mark of respect.

Queen Margrethe II and Crown Prince Frederik arriving at Westminster Abbey (Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock)
Margrethe and other royals before taking their seats (Getty Images)

They had originally been due to take place in January but a rise in Covid cases had forced them to be postponed.

Margrethe has been vaccinated against Covid but was first diagnosed in February, showing mild symptoms at the time.

She was a third cousin of Elizabeth as both were great-granddaughters of Queen Victoria.

Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Margrethe among other royals in 2002 (PA)

They were close friends and shared a passion for dogs.

They affectionately referred to each another by the nicknames “Daisy” and “Lilibet”.

Upon learning of the British Queen’s passing, Margrethe became the first foreign monarch to pay tribute to Her Majesty, writing a touching letter to King Charles expressing her condolences.

In a statement, the Danish Royal Family said: Her "Majesty The Queen tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday evening and is now residing at Fredensborg Palace.

"The Queen’s activities this week have thus been canceled.

"Friday’s evening event at Christiansborg Palace for the government, the Danish Parliament and the European Parliament’s Danish members will be carried out with His Royal Highness The Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness The Crown Princess serving as hosts."

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