John Donaldson, Father of Denmark's Queen Mary, Passes Away Aged 84
The royal house in Copenhagen has announced the death of John Donaldson, the father of Denmark's Australian-born Queen Mary. He was 84 years old.
Donaldson died in Hobart, Tasmania, according to a royal statement released on Sunday, 12 April 2026. The statement did not provide specific details regarding the cause of death but noted that his health had been declining over the past several years. Queen Mary last visited her father at the end of March.
A Life of Academic Achievement
John Dalgleish Donaldson was born in Scotland on 5 September 1941. He pursued a distinguished career as a professor of applied mathematics, contributing significantly to his field before his retirement.
His daughter, Mary, became Denmark's queen in January 2024 after serving as crown princess for two decades. Her husband, Frederik X, ascended to the throne following the abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe II. The couple first met during the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and married in 2004.
Queen Mary's Heartfelt Tribute
In the official statement, Queen Mary expressed her profound sorrow, saying, "my heart is heavy." She added, "But I know that when the grief settles, the memories will brighten my day, and what will remain strongest is love and gratitude for everything he gave me and taught me."
Donaldson's first wife, Henrietta Clark Donaldson, who was Mary's mother, passed away in 1997. He later married Susan Moody in 2001.
Private Memorial Planned
The royal family has indicated that a private memorial service for John Donaldson will be held "at a later date." No further public arrangements have been disclosed at this time.
This loss marks a significant moment for the Danish royal family, as they mourn the passing of a beloved patriarch whose life bridged Scotland, Australia, and Denmark through his daughter's historic role.
