COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - John Dalgleish Donaldson, the father of Denmark’s Australian-born Queen Mary, has passed away at the age of 84 in Hobart, Tasmania. The royal house in Copenhagen confirmed his death in a statement issued on Sunday, noting that Donaldson's health had been deteriorating over the past few years. Queen Mary last visited her father at the end of March 2023.

John Donaldson was born in Scotland on September 5, 1941. He had a distinguished career as a professor of applied mathematics. His daughter, Mary, became Denmark’s queen in January 2024 after serving two decades as crown princess, following her husband’s ascension to the throne as King Frederik X. This change came after the abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe II.

The meeting between Frederik and Mary marked a significant moment in royal history, as they first met during the 2000 Olympics held in Sydney. They later married in 2004, solidifying their bond amid the public eye.

As part of the announcement regarding her father’s passing, Queen Mary expressed her deep sorrow, stating that “my heart is heavy.” She acknowledged the profound grief of losing a loved one but emphasized the enduring memories of her father's love and life teachings, which would eventually bring her comfort.

Mary's family history is also marked by the passing of her mother, Henrietta Clark Donaldson, who died in 1997. John Donaldson remarried Susan Moody in 2001, added another layer to the family dynamic.

According to the official statement, the family intends to hold a private memorial service for John Donaldson at a later date, allowing them to grieve and honor his life in an intimate setting.