Denmark's Queen Margrethe, 85, who abdicated last year, is expected to be discharged from hospital soon, the Danish royal household said on Friday.

"Her Majesty is recovering and in good spirits," the Royal House said in a statement. "Queen Margrethe is therefore expected to be discharged from Rigshospitalet and return to Fredensborg Palace over the weekend," it added.

On Thursday, the queen had been admitted to Copenhagen's main hospital for observation due to a cold, as "a precaution".

Earlier on Thursday, the former monarch was forced to cancel an upcoming public engagement as she had fallen ill.

She was due to take part in celebrations for the 125th anniversary of the Sankt Lukas Foundation in Hellerup, a foundation that provides health and welfare services in Denmark.

Margrethe who turned 85 on April 16, was last seen in public on Sunday during a service commemorating the 80th anniversary of Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation.

The former sovereign reigned in the Scandinavian country for 52 years before passing the throne to her eldest son, Frederik, in January 2024. She announced her decision to abdicate on New Year's Eve.