Queen Mary of Denmark has taken on a major role this weekend as her husband, King Frederik , was out of the country, just days after Queen Margrethe's hospitalisation. The Danish royal household announced that Mary will act as regent from 20 to 22 September. It's the first time Mary has taken on such a role as Queen of Denmark.

Regent is a role that requires a person to step in to govern the state when the monarch is unable to perform their duties. While King Frederik spends time abroad, Mary will step into his shoes as her son Crown Prince Christian did in January when he signed his first law upon his father's trip to Poland.

Queen Margrethe was taken to hospital on Wednesday after a fall at her residence, Fredensborg Castle. The 84-year-old monarch, who abdicated the Danish throne earlier this year due to health concerns,