Queen Mary bids farewell to long-held role at Alannah & Madeline Foundation
Queen Mary of Denmark has stepped down from her patronage of Australia’s Alannah & Madeline Foundation after almost two decades.
Fiona Byrne
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Danish Queen Mary has stepped away from her patronage of Australia’s Alannah & Madeline Foundation after 19 years.
The change came after Mary assumed the title of Queen in January and there was a reassessment of the existing royal patronages.
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation thanked the former Mary Donaldson for her almost two decades of commitment in a newsletter to supporters of the organisation last week.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Her Majesty for her wonderful support, kindness and inspiration as our International Patron since 2005,” the Foundation said.
“As we thank Queen Mary for her inspiration and support, we reflect on the remarkable journey we have shared with her over the years.”
The foundation received a $50,000 donation from the Mary Foundation in 2022 to mark the then Princess Mary’s 50th birthday.
Mary and Prince Frederik, now King Frederik, famously attended a fundraising gala for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation at Crown in 2011 and in 2008 were the VIP guests at a cocktail party at the NGV for the charity.
Walter Mikac, founding patron of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, said Mary’s dedication to the foundation had been instrumental in raising awareness and making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people.
“Queen Mary’s compassion and generosity inspires us all, and we have been truly honoured to have her support in helping create a safer world for children,” he said.
As part of the changes to the patronages held by members of the Danish Royal Family, as of 2024 patronages will be time-limited to five years.
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation was established in 1997 in the aftermath of the 1996 Port Arthur where 35 people including Alannah and Madeline Mikac and their mother Nanette were killed.
The foundation is built on the belief that children and young people should be able to live a happy and safe life, free from violence and trauma.
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