Queen Mary of Denmark is mourning the death of her father. John Dalgleish Donaldson died at his hometown of Hobart in Australia at the age of 84.
Queen Mary was close to her father and had spent time with him just weeks earlier when she made a triumphant visit to Hobart, her first as a consort. She was cheered through the streets and appeared overcome with emotion as she was warmly welcomed back as Queen of Denmark. Her father had been ill for some time but away from the huge crowds and wall to wall TV coverage, Queen Mary chatted to him and passed what she later recalled as precious time at his side.
Professor John Dalgleish Donaldson's death was announced by the Royal Court of Denmark, one of the oldest in the world. It was only appropriate. His daughter is now the Queen of Denmark and his grandson, Crown Prince Christian, is set to inherit the throne. In 50 years time, John Donaldson's line will truly reign in this ancient realm.
He was remembered as a much loved father and grandfather and many in Denmark will recall him with a smile. He was the beaming and beyond proud father of the bride on May 14 2004 when his youngest daughter, Mary Elizabeth, married Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark before royalty from around the world. He steadied the nerves of the bride, held her hand tight as she walked into Copenhagen Cathedral and then was at her side for the walk down the aisle to the strains of Zadok the Priest. He was often seen with Mary, Frederik and their four grandchildren at their homes in Denmark when he visited his royal relations. And they relished the time they had with him in his home in Hobart. Now, an online book of condolence is open on the Danish royal website for Professor John Dalgleish Donaldson, the man who left Scotland for Australia and a better life and who saw his line take the oldest throne in Europe.
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