Queen Mary’s father John Donaldson dies at 84

Queen Mary of Denmark has announced the death of her father, John Donaldson, at the age of 84, describing her grief in a statement released by the royal household on Monday.

“My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are grey,” the queen said, adding: “My beloved father has passed away. But I know that when the sorrow settles, the memories will shine bright, and what will remain strongest is the love and gratitude for everything he gave me and taught me.”

Donaldson, a professor of applied mathematics, died in Tasmania, where he had lived for many years. Queen Mary last visited him in March during a state visit to Australia and Tasmania with King Frederik, followed by private time in her hometown of Hobart. The royal household confirmed they had shared “several good and meaningful moments together.”

Born in Scotland in 1941, Donaldson became widely known to Danes when he walked his daughter down the aisle in traditional Scottish kilt at her 2004 wedding to then-Crown Prince Frederik in Copenhagen. He had lived in Denmark for a period after Mary moved to the country, even working as a guest professor at Aarhus University and the University of Copenhagen.

Over the years, Donaldson attended key family events, including the births and baptisms of his grandchildren—Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, and the twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine—as well as official royal gatherings. He was also present at the 2003 engagement announcement of Mary and Frederik alongside both sets of parents.

In a speech at the 2004 wedding, Donaldson praised his daughter’s character and welcomed Frederik into the family: “My daughter is very beautiful—très belle—not only in appearance but in many other ways. It shows in how she cares for her family and friends, and in her approach to the exciting and demanding task ahead of her.” Of Frederik, he said: “Frederik is an intelligent, sporty, cheerful, and highly appealing young man. What more could a father-in-law wish for?”

Donaldson’s first wife, Henrietta—Mary’s mother—died in 1997 at the age of 55 following heart surgery. He later remarried Susan Moody (later Donaldson), who accompanied him to many royal events. The couple were frequent visitors to Denmark, often staying at Fredensborg Palace.

The royal household has not yet announced funeral arrangements.