Queen Mary makes first public appearance since announcing the death of her father John Donaldson
Queen Mary of Denmark has made her first public appearance since announcing the death of her father, John Dalgleish Donaldson.
The Tasmanian-born Queen appeared alongside her husband, King Frederik, to celebrate his mother's 86th birthday at the Fredensborg Palace on Thursday.
Queen Mary, 54, was wearing an all-navy outfit rather than traditional mourning attire for the celebration, which included a concert by the Royal Life Guards Music Corps.
Queen Mary of Denmark has made her first public appearance since announcing the death of her father, John Dalgleish Donaldson. Getty
King Frederik wore a grey suit with a red tie, while his mother, Queen Margrethe of Denmark, opted for a red and navy outfit.
Mary's outing with her husband's family marks the first time she has been seen since announcing her father's passing.
The Danish Royal House made the announcement "with great sadness" in a statement on Sunday afternoon.
In a statement, the queen said: "My heart is heavy and my thoughts are grey".
King Frederik wore a grey suit with a red tie, while his mother, Queen Margrethe of Denmark, opted for a red and navy outfit. NurPhoto via Getty Images
Thousands gathered to celebrate with the royals. Getty
"My beloved father is dead," Queen Mary continued.
"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.
Queen Mary, 54, was wearing an all-navy outfit rather than traditional mourning attire for the celebration, which included a concert by the Royal Life Guards Music Corps. Getty
Queen Mary of Denmark's father John Donaldson, pictured with Mary in 2023, has died. Danish Royal Household/Prince Vincent
The state visit to Australia ended in Hobart on March 19, with the queen remaining in Tasmania for a few days with her family before returning to Denmark.
When Mary married then-Crown Prince Frederik on May 14, 2004, Donaldson walked his daughter down the aisle of Copenhagen Cathedral to an emotional Crown Prince Frederik who was holding back tears.
Professor Donaldson died on April 11. He is survived by his wife, Susan Moody, and his children and grandchildren.
John Donaldson wore a kilt in a nod to his Scottish birth when his daughter married Denmark's heir on May 14, 2004. AP/AAP
A private memorial service will take place at a later date, the palace said.
It is not known whether Queen Mary will return to Australia for the funeral or memorial.
Donaldson and his first wife, Henrietta, had four children: Jane Stephens, Patricia Bailey, John Donaldson and Queen Mary.
Queen Mary's mother died in November 1997 of complications from heart surgery.
Queen Mary and her father "had several good and present moments together" when they last saw each other in March, the palace said.
He moved to Copenhagen soon after Mary became engaged to Denmark's then-heir to the throne.
Donaldson, a professor of applied mathematics, taught at Aarhus University and the University of Copenhagen before returning to Australia with his wife.
Donaldson had been unable to travel to Denmark for some time due to his age and ailing health.
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