Quick Read
- John Donaldson, the father of Queen Mary of Denmark, passed away in Hobart, Tasmania, at the age of 84.
- The Queen recently visited her father in Australia during a State Visit in March, marking a significant final reunion.
- A private memorial service for the late professor of applied mathematics will be held in Australia.
COPENHAGEN (Azat TV) – Queen Mary of Denmark has announced the death of her father, Professor John Dalgleish Donaldson, who passed away in his home city of Hobart, Tasmania, on April 11, 2026. He was 84 years old. The Danish Royal House confirmed the news on Sunday morning, marking a period of deep personal loss for the Queen, who shared a close and enduring bond with her father throughout her transition from an Australian academic’s daughter to a member of the Danish monarchy.
A Final Reunion in Tasmania
The passing of Professor Donaldson follows a poignant period of reconnection between the Queen and her father. During her successful State Visit to Australia in March—her first to the country since her husband, King Frederik X, ascended the throne in January 2024—the Queen spent time in Hobart, where she was greeted by large, supportive crowds. Reports from the Royal House indicated that the visit allowed for several meaningful moments between the two, providing a final opportunity for father and daughter to be together before his health declined.
Legacy of a Distinguished Academic
Born in Port Seton, Scotland, in 1941, John Donaldson built a life defined by intellectual rigor and family commitment. An expert in applied mathematics, he emigrated to Australia in 1963 with his first wife, Henrietta, who passed away in 1997. Professor Donaldson’s steady presence was a hallmark of the Queen’s life, famously captured during the 2004 royal wedding in Copenhagen, where he provided a calming influence for his daughter as she prepared to become the Crown Princess of Denmark. He is survived by his second wife, the novelist Susan Moody, and his four children.
The Mourning Process
In a personal statement, Queen Mary expressed the depth of her loss, stating that her heart is heavy and her thoughts are grey. She noted that while the grief is profound, she remains grateful for the lessons and love her father provided throughout her life. The Royal House has opened an online condolence book to allow the public to share their sympathies. The family intends to hold a private memorial service in Australia, honoring the professor’s life in the country he called home for over six decades.
The death of John Donaldson signifies the end of a pivotal chapter for the Danish royal family, highlighting the intersection of private grief and public duty. As the Queen balances her sovereign responsibilities with the loss of a foundational family figure, the focus remains on the enduring personal legacy of a man who navigated the complexities of international royal life with quiet, academic grace.