‘Heart is heavy’: Queen Mary of Denmark’s father, 84, dies in Hobart
John Dalgleish Donaldson, father of Queen Mary of Denmark, died in Tasmania at the age of 84.
The Danish Royal House announced the death of the Queen’s father in Hobart on Sunday after his health condition deteriorated.
The Queen paid an emotional tribute to her father, saying: “My heart is heavy and my thoughts are grey. My beloved father has passed away.”
“But I know that when the grief subsides, the memories will come alive and his love and gratitude for everything he gave and taught me will remain strongest,” she wrote.
Professor Donaldson was born in Scotland on 5 September 1941 and emigrated to Australia in 1953.
Queen Mary visited her father in Hobart during their royal tour of Australia in March, where they enjoyed “some beautiful and present moments” together.
In the statement made by the Danish Royal Family, it was stated that Professor Donaldson’s health condition was deteriorating.
“Professor John Donaldson has been increasingly affected by his age for some time,” the statement said.
A private memorial service will be held for the family at a later date.
