Queen Mary of Denmark has been seen for the first time since her father, academic John Dalgleish Donaldson, died at the age of 84 on Sunday.
The royal made an appearance alongside her husband, King Frederik, as the pair celebrated the 86th birthday of Frederik’s mother, Queen Margrethe. The duo were joined by Margrethe and the former Danish monarch’s younger sister, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece.
The foursome were seen arriving together at the Fredensborg Palace in order to attend a concert by the Royal Life Guards Music Corps. They were greeted by cheering crowds, and Margrethe and Anne-Marie were seen sitting as they were supported by the Danes.
For the outing, Mary was seen wearing a dark navy outfit, eschewing the traditional black worn when in mourning. Navy is often used as a mourning colour for events held that aren’t the funeral, with the shade often appearing to be black in photos taken.
Mary’s father’s death
The royal confirmed her father’s passing on Monday, saying in a statement: “It is with great sorrow that Her Majesty, The Queen, announces that her father, Professor John Dalgleish Donaldson, has died in Hobart, Tasmania. He was 84 years.”
She added: “My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are grey. My beloved father has passed away. But I know that when the grief settles, the memories will brighten my day, and what will remain strongest is love and gratitude for everything he gave me and taught me.”
The post also revealed that Mary’s father’s health had been declining over the past few years and that she last visited him at the end of March, where they shared precious time together.
A private funeral service is scheduled to be held, according to the royal household; however, the official schedule suggests it will not take place until after the weekend, when Mary’s twin children, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, are set to be confirmed.
© Alamy Stock PhotoHowever, it’s not yet been confirmed where John will be laid to rest. Although the academic spent most of his life in Australia, Annemette Krakau, royal expert for the Danish publication Billed Bladet, believes there is a possibility that his remains will be laid to rest much closer to Denmark.
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