Queen Mary makes glamorous return to royal duties after death of her father John Donaldson
Queen Mary of Denmark has returned to royal duties following the death of her father, joining royalty from around the world to celebrate the Swedish King's birthday.
The Tasmanian-born queen appeared alongside her husband, King Frederik, at the 80th birthday gala of Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf.
Queen Mary, 54, wore a bold pink floral dress, diamond earrings and, known for her innovative jewellery choices, repurposed a historical bracelet as a tiara.
Queen Mary has returned to royal duties following the death of her beloved father John Donaldson. Getty
The Danish monarchs joined royal guests from across Europe and beyond for a lavish banquet at the Royal Palace of Stockholm.
Among the guests were Queen Margrethe and Princess Benedikte of the Netherlands, Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium and King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway.
Norway's Crown Prince Haakon attended without his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
She has been largely absent from public duties this year due to worsening health, recent revelations about her past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and the Jeffrey Epstein Marius Borg Høiby.
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Sweden's Queen Silvia and King Carl XVI Gustaf hosted a very lavish celebration for his 80th birthday. Getty
Norway's Crown Prince Haakon attended the celebrations solo. Getty
For Queen Mary, the glamorous outing comes weeks after she announced her father, John Dalgleish Donaldson, had died aged 84 on April 11.
In a statement, the Queen said: "My heart is heavy and my thoughts are grey."
"My beloved father has passed away."
John Donaldson, pictured with daughter Mary in 2023. Danish Royal Household/Prince Vincent
Queen Mary took this photo of her father on March 23, 2026, in Hobart at the end of her state visit to Australia. Queen Mary of Denmark
"But I know that when the grief subsides, the memories will brighten, and what will remain most strongly is the love and gratitude for everything he gave me and taught me."
A photo shared to announce Donaldson's death was taken by Queen Mary on March 23.
Queen Mary was able to see her father for the final time in March in Hobart, at the end of her and King Frederik X's state visit to Australia.
Donaldson is survived by his wife, Susan Moody, and his children and grandchildren.
The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date, the palace said.
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