Father of Denmark’s Queen Mary Dies at 84
- The father of Queen Mary of Denmark, John Dalgleish Donaldson, has died in Hobart, Tasmania, at the age of 84.
- Professor Donaldson, a respected mathematician, lived in Tasmania for most of his life and served as a professor of applied mathematics at the University of Tasmania for several...
- Queen Mary issued an emotional statement following the announcement of her father's passing.
The father of Queen Mary of Denmark, John Dalgleish Donaldson, has died in Hobart, Tasmania, at the age of 84. The Danish Royal House confirmed the news on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Professor Donaldson, a respected mathematician, lived in Tasmania for most of his life and served as a professor of applied mathematics at the University of Tasmania for several decades.
Queen Mary issued an emotional statement following the announcement of her father’s passing.
Queen Mary of Denmark
My heart is heavy and my thoughts are grey. My beloved father has passed away. 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.
Background and Health
Born in Scotland on September 5, 1941, John Donaldson’s health had been deteriorating in recent years. Due to his declining health, he was unable to travel to Denmark to attend his daughter’s coronation in 2024.
At the time of the coronation, Queen Mary noted that her father was not well enough to make the long trip, stating that he was with us in our hearts
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The Queen and her husband, King Frederik X, last visited Professor Donaldson in March 2026 during a royal tour of Tasmania.
Family History
The loss follows the previous passing of Queen Mary’s mother, Henrietta Donaldson, who died from a heart condition in 1997.
The royal family has requested privacy during this time. A private memorial service for Professor Donaldson will be held at a later date.