Sad News of Queen Mary’s Father
The Danish royal household has shared some heartbreaking news regarding the passing of Queen Mary’s father, Professor John Dalgleish Donaldson. He passed away in Hobart at the age of 84. A statement from Her Majesty expressed her deep sorrow: “My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are grey. My beloved father has passed away.” She continued, “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.”
John had been experiencing declining health in recent years, which prevented him from attending important events such as Frederik X’s proclamation weekend in January 2024. Despite this, Queen Mary has often made private trips back to Tasmania to visit her family.
During her recent State Visit to Australia in March 2026, which concluded in Hobart, the Queen was able to spend time with her father. A photo of him, taken by the Queen on March 26, was shared alongside the sad news. The family plans to hold a private memorial service at a later date.
Who Was John Donaldson?
John Donaldson was a respected professor of mathematics who spent most of his career at the University of Tasmania. Born in Scotland on September 5, 1941, he met Mary’s mother, Henrietta ‘Etta,’ when they were just 13 years old. The pair quickly became school sweethearts. They migrated to Australia in 1963 shortly after he graduated with a degree from the University of Edinburgh.
The couple had four children in Hobart, with Mary being the youngest. Her eldest sister, Jane, was born on September 26, 1965, followed by Patricia on March 16, 1968, and her brother John on July 9, 1970.
In the Danish documentary Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, John reflected on his parenting style: “I was a lot more of a disciplinarian than necessary,” he said. “I think most of my friends thought I was very strict with the children. I probably was. I tried to make sure their homework was done and I tried to make sure they knew that a secure life was one they ought to be interested in.”
John was the one who delivered the devastating news to Mary when her mother, Etta, passed away following surgery in 1997. “He just said: ‘She’s not here anymore,’” Mary recalled. “I went into total shock. I dropped the phone and kicked very, very hard — as if I wanted to hurt myself.”
A Life of Love and Legacy
Later in life, John found love again when he married novelist Susan Moody in 2001. When Mary married Crown Prince Frederik in 2004, John walked her down the aisle and gave her away. As a proud Scotsman, he wore a kilt for the special occasion.
He visited Denmark numerous times to see his daughter until his health prevented him from making the long journey. At one point, he even taught at a university in Copenhagen.
John’s life was marked by dedication, love, and a strong sense of responsibility. His influence on Mary and his family remains deeply felt, and his legacy will continue to be cherished.
