On 11 April 2026, Queen Mary of Denmark’s father, Professor John Donaldson, died aged 84. He had been in declining health for several years. At the time, the Danish Palace confirmed the news and stated that a memorial service would be held on a future date. It appears that date was this week, as on 30 September 2026, the Danish Royal Family released a statement that the King and Queen had travelled to Australia.
“The King and Queen attend a private memorial service for the Queen’s father, Mr John Donaldson, in Hobart, Tasmania,” the brief statement read. No photos of the private service were taken as it was a family event. It’s unclear whether Mary will remain in Australia for a time or has already returned to her adopted country.
“My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are grey,”read a statement from Queen Mary at the time.
“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.”
A professor of Applied Mathematics, John Donaldson was born in Scotland on September 5, 1941.
Queen Mary last visited Australia in an official capacity as Monarch during the Royal Tour in March 2026. Their Majesties visited Hobart on the final leg of their tour on 19 March.
Our reporters were there as Queen Mary and King Frederick were given a tour around the gardens of the popular Agrarian Kitchen, in New Norfolk, just outside of Hobart. Then Their Majesties were greeted by the public in Hobart with Danish Flags. Queen Mary remained in Hobart for the weekend to be with her family. Sadly, less than a month later, her father passed away.
Watch Queen Mary in Hobart in the video captured by our team below:
Messages of condolence can be sent via Kongehuset.dk.
