A Time of Grief and Celebration
Queen Mary’s three siblings have made a significant journey from Australia to Denmark, arriving just one week after the passing of their father, John Dalgleish Donaldson. Jane Stephens, Patricia Bailey, and John Stuart Donaldson traveled to be with Queen Mary for the confirmation of her youngest children, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, which took place at Fredensborg Palace on Saturday.
This week has been a mix of sorrow and joy for the royal family. The confirmation ceremony brought together various royals, close family members, and friends. Among the guests was King Felipe VI of Spain, along with King Frederik’s brother, Prince Joachim, and his wife Princess Marie, who had traveled from the US. Additionally, the King’s nephews, Count Nikolai and Count Felix, were seen greeting the family warmly on the palace steps.
King Frederik and Queen Mary walked with their four children from their private residence on the palace grounds to the chapel before the ceremony. The twins, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, both 15, led the way, followed by Crown Prince Christian, 20, and Princess Isabella, 19.
Queen Mary chose a dark navy suit and sapphire jewels for the occasion, maintaining a low-key appearance as the family observes a period of mourning. Former Queen Margrethe II made a brief appearance on the steps and was also seen inside the chapel during the service.
Mary’s brother John and King Felipe were both seated in the front row; both are godfathers to Prince Vincent. John is also a godfather to Princess Josephine, as is Mary’s sister Patricia.
A Rare Gathering of Family
It is the first time in many years that so many of Queen Mary’s Australian family have made the trip to Denmark together. Jane, Patricia, and John were joined by their own children, with nieces and nephews also traveling for the occasion. Their presence, so soon after losing their father, highlighted how close the Donaldson siblings are and how important it was to be by Mary’s side.
After the ceremony, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine spoke briefly to the media. They shared their feelings about the loss of their grandfather, saying, “It’s been incredibly difficult for me and the entire family, and we miss him so much. But he will always be in our hearts. We’re so saddened by what happened, especially since it was right before our confirmation. But we know he’s with us. We miss him dearly, and it brings us peace to know he’s in a better place now.”
Speculation About the Final Farewell
With all four Donaldson siblings already in Europe, there is speculation that their trip may not be over just yet. John Dalgleish Donaldson was originally from Scotland, and there is quiet speculation that he may be buried there—alongside his first wife and the mother of his children, Henrietta Clark Horne.
If that is the case, having Jane, Patricia, and John already on this side of the world makes it a natural time to hold a private memorial in Scotland together, without having to make another long trip from Australia in the coming weeks.
No official announcement has been made about funeral arrangements, and the family is keeping those plans private. However, with the siblings lingering in Europe, many believe there may be one final farewell still to come.
