The heartbreaking reason the Danish King and Queen have made a secret visit to Australia
King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark have made a discreet trip to Australia to attend a private memorial service for Queen Mary’s late father, Professor John Donaldson.
The Danish Royal House confirmed on Wednesday that the King and Queen are in Hobart, Tasmania, for the private service after traveling from Denmark. A brief entry in the official royal diary stated, “The King and Queen attend a private memorial service for the Queen’s father, Mr. John Donaldson, in Hobart, Tasmania.” This visit was not announced publicly beforehand, and reports of the couple’s absence from Denmark surfaced when their 20-year-old son, Crown Prince Christian, was expected to serve as regent.
Professor Donaldson passed away in Hobart on April 11, 2026, at the age of 84. Born in Scotland in 1941, he immigrated to Australia with his family in 1963 and later became a professor of applied mathematics. Queen Mary, who was born and raised in Tasmania, spent time with her father during the King and Queen’s state visit to Australia in March. Following his death, the Queen described her father as “beloved” and expressed her love and gratitude for all he had given and taught her.
