Father of Denmark’s Queen Mary dead at 84

John Donaldson, father of Queen Mary of Denmark, has died in Hobart at the age of 84, the palace in Copenhagen announced.

Mr Donaldson’s health was said to have deteriorated in recent years.

Queen Mary, King Frederick’s wife, last visited her father during an extended trip to Australia at the end of March and “shared precious time together”, the palace said.

“My heart is heavy and my thoughts are grey. My dear father has passed away,” Queen Mary said.

“But I know that when the grief subsides, the memories will brighten my day, and the one that will remain strongest is love and gratitude for everything he gave and taught me,” the queen added, according to the official statement.

Mr. Donaldson, a professor of applied mathematics, was born in Scotland and died on Saturday.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.