COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) 鈥 Denmark鈥檚 Queen Margrethe II, whose half-century reign makes her Europe鈥檚 longest-serving monarch, will undergo 鈥渕ajor back surgery鈥 later this month, the royal palace said Wednesday.
The 82-year-monarch will be hospitalized afterward and undergo 鈥渁 longer rehabilitation process,鈥 the royal household said in a statement.
鈥淒uring a long period, Her Majesty has been affected by problems with her back, and in recent times the situation has worsened,鈥 the statement said.
Margrethe has decided to undergo 鈥渕ajor back surgery鈥 on Feb. 22 after consulting with doctors, the palace said, adding that several official engagements will either be postponed, canceled or handled by other members of the royal family.
The oldest son of Denmark鈥檚 popular monarch, heir to the throne Crown Prince Frederik, and his wife, Crown Princess Mary, are likely to step in as well as Margrethe鈥檚 youngest son, Prince Joachim and his wife Princess Marie, and the queen's sister, Princess Benedikte.
In the past several days, Margrethe had canceled events, including the opening of an exhibition in Copenhagen.
The Danish Constitution gives Margrethe, Denmark's head of state, no political power and her duties are ceremonial. She was proclaimed queen on Jan. 15, 1972, a day after her father, King Frederik IX, died following a short illness.
