Queen Mary thanks Danes for condolences after her father’s death

Queen Mary of Denmark has expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support following the death of her father, John Donaldson, last week, Danish broadcaster DR reports.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the overwhelming number of messages, flowers, and warm thoughts on the occasion of my father’s death,” the queen wrote in a statement posted on the royal family’s social media channels. The message was also translated into English for international audiences.

Donaldson, who was 84, died in Hobart, Tasmania—where Queen Mary was born and raised. The royal household had set up a digital condolence page on its website, and the queen’s message suggests many also sent flowers. “The immense compassion has deeply touched us and means more than words can describe,” she added.

The cause of death has not been disclosed, though the palace previously noted that Donaldson had been weakened by age in recent years. In a statement announcing his passing, Queen Mary said: “My beloved father has died. But I know that when the grief subsides, the memories will shine bright, and what will remain strongest is the love and gratitude for everything he gave me and taught me.”

Donaldson, who was born in Scotland, last saw the royal couple in March during their state visit to Australia and Tasmania, followed by a private stay in Hobart with Queen Mary’s family. The queen made her first public appearance since his death on Monday, attending Queen Margrethe’s 86th birthday celebration at Fredensborg Palace.

A royal confirmation ceremony for the queen’s youngest twins, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, will proceed as planned on Wednesday at Fredensborg Palace Chapel, despite the family’s bereavement.