This morning, the Royal Household of Denmark announced the passing of Professor John Dalgleish Donaldson, father of Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark. He was 84 years old.

Professor Donaldson passed away in Hobart, Tasmania.

In a statement, Her Majesty the Queen wrote:

“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.”

Born in Scotland on September 5th, 1941, Professor Donaldson was a Scottish-born Australian academic whose career was closely associated with the University of Tasmania in Hobart. He served as Professor of Applied Mathematics and was known for his work in statistics and numerical analysis, as well as for mentoring generations of students.

He graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science with honours in Mathematics and Physics. Later that year, on August 31st, he married Henrietta Clark Horne in Port Seton, Scotland. The couple emigrated to Tasmania in November 1963, where Professor Donaldson continued his academic career.

In 1967, he completed a Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics at the University of Tasmania under the supervision of Professor David Elliott. He subsequently joined the academic staff, serving as a lecturer in Applied Mathematics before later being appointed Dean of the Faculty of Science, a position he held until his retirement. 

His academic work focused particularly on numerical analysis, and his career demonstrated a sustained commitment to both research and teaching within the Australian university system.

Professor Donaldson and his first wife had four children: Jane Donaldson Stevens, Patricia Donaldson Bailey, John Stuart Donaldson Jr., and Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, now Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark.

Henrietta Donaldson passed away on November 20th, 1997. He later married the British-born novelist Susan Elizabeth Horwood, known under the pen name Susan Moody. 

Professor Donaldson is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren, including the four children of Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark.

A private memorial service for the late Professor John Dalgleish Donaldson will be held at a later date.

My deepest condolences to the late Professor Donaldson’s family and friends.