Queen Mary steps out for first time since death of her father

Ben McCaffrey
Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:46:25 +0000

Queen Mary of Denmark stepped out publicly for the first time since losing her father, Professor John Donaldson, who passed away on Sunday aged 84.

The Danish monarch joined her husband, King Frederik X, at Fredensborg Palace on Wednesday to mark Queen Margrethe's 86th birthday celebrations.

The gathering also included Margrethe's younger sibling, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece.

Margrethe abdicated the throne to her son, Frederik, in January 2024, after 52 years of reign due to declining health following major back surgery.

Crowds gathered to welcome the royals as they arrived for a performance by the Royal Life Guards Music Corps.

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Rather than traditional black, Queen Mary opted for a dark navy ensemble. This shade is often chosen as an alternative mourning colour for occasions other than funerals.

Professor Donaldson died in Hobart, Tasmania, where he had spent much of his life after emigrating from Scotland.

The Danish royal household confirmed the news on Sunday, with Queen Mary releasing a deeply personal tribute the following day.

"My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are grey. My beloved father has passed away," the Queen said.

"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."

The announcement was shared via the Danish royal family's official Instagram account, alongside a black and white photograph the Queen had captured of her father on 23 March 2026.

Queen Mary had visited her father at the end of March, shortly after completing a six-day state visit to Australia with King Frederik.

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The royal household confirmed that Professor Donaldson's health had been deteriorating for several years, leaving him too frail to undertake long-haul travel to Denmark.

Born in Scotland on September 5, 1941, he forged a distinguished academic career as a Professor of Applied Mathematics.

He moved to Tasmania in November 1963 with his first wife, Henrietta Clark Horne, who later served as executive assistant to the University of Tasmania's vice-chancellor before her death in 1997.

A private funeral service is planned, though the royal household has indicated it will not take place until after this weekend's confirmation ceremony for Queen Mary's twin children, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.

The final resting place for Professor Donaldson remains undecided.

Despite spending the majority of his life in Australia, royal commentator Annemette Krakau of the Danish publication Billed Bladet has suggested his remains could potentially be interred closer to Denmark.