Queen Mary quietly visits Hobart for father's memorial service
Queen Mary of Denmark quietly attended a private memorial service for her father in Hobart.
Queen Mary of Denmark arrived quietly in Australia this week with her husband King Frederik X to attend a private memorial service for her father, John Donaldson, in Hobart on Wednesday, September 30. The Tasmanian-born queen's visit remained hidden until the Danish Royal House posted an announcement in their official diary late Wednesday afternoon Australian time.
A Danish royal expert said the announcement was unusual but justified because the memorial was a special family event. Donaldson died in April aged 84 after years of poor health.
During the royal couple's absence, their 20-year-old son Crown Prince Christian acted as regent. Frederik is due to compete in a sailing event in St Tropez this weekend.
- April 11, aged 84
- John Donaldson died
- September 30
- Memorial date
- 20
- Crown Prince Christian age
- 2004
- Royal wedding year
Why it mattersThe quiet visit shows Queen Mary's ties to Australia and how the Danish Royal House broke protocol to honour a personal milestone.
AustraliaQueen Mary, who was born in Tasmania, maintains strong connections to her home state and to Australia, making her family events notable for Australian audiences who remember her royal wedding in 2004.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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