Professor John Dalgleish Donaldson, the father of Queen Mary, has passed away in Tasmania at the age of 84. His death was announced by the Danish royal household on Sunday, just weeks after King Frederik X and Queen Mary completed an official visit to Australia.
In a heartfelt statement, Queen Mary expressed her grief, saying her heart was heavy at the loss of her beloved father. She reflected on the deep bond they shared, adding that while sorrow now surrounds her, she knows that in time, cherished memories will bring comfort. Above all, she said, what will remain is a lasting sense of love and gratitude for everything he gave her and taught her throughout her life.
The royal household noted that Professor Donaldson’s health had been declining in recent years. Queen Mary visited him in Tasmania in late March, shortly after returning from the royal couple’s six-day state visit to Australia—their first since ascending the Danish throne in January 2024. A private memorial service will be held by the family at a later date.
Born in Scotland on September 5, 1941, Professor Donaldson was a respected academic in applied mathematics. He moved to Tasmania in 1963 with his first wife, Henrietta Clark Horne. Nearly a decade later, they welcomed their daughter, Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, who would go on to become Queen of Denmark.
Due to his declining health, Professor Donaldson had been unable to travel in recent years, missing important family milestones. Despite the distance, Queen Mary often spoke of his presence in spirit, underscoring the enduring connection they shared.
