Queen Mary mourns father's death at 84: 'My thoughts are grey'
John Donaldson was a Professor of Applied Mathematics
Queen Mary of Denmark recently shared heartbreaking news on April 12, using social media to announce her father's passing.
Translated into English, a message posted on King Frederik and Queen Mary's Instagram account read: "It is with deep sadness that Her Majesty, The Queen, shares that her father, Professor John Dalgleish Donaldson, has passed away in Hobart, Tasmania, at the age of 84 years."
Accompanying a black and white photograph of Professor Donaldson, taken by King Frederik's wife on March 23, 2026, was a touching statement from Mary: "My soul is heavy, and my thoughts are clouded. My dear father has left us. Yet, I am certain that as the sorrow fades, my memories will shine brighter, and the love and gratitude for all he gave and taught me will stand out the most."
The message further disclosed that Professor John Donaldson’s health had been deteriorating in recent years and that the Queen made her last visit to him at the end of March, during which they spent special moments together.
John Donaldson was a Professor of Applied Mathematics, born on September 5, 1941, in Scotland.
The family plans to hold a private memorial service at a later time.