Reason Princess Mary’s dad won’t attend coronation as she becomes Queen of Denmark

Princess Mary will make history on Sunday when she becomes queen of Denmark, but there’s a sad reason her dad won’t be by her side.

Princess Mary of Denmark will make history on Sunday when she becomes the first Australian to ascend a European throne, but there’s a sad reason her father won’t be there to watch it happen.

John Donaldson will sit out the momentous occasion, likely watching on from the comfort of his home in Australia.

Mr Donaldson walked Princess Mary down the aisle at her wedding to Prince Frederik in 2004. Picture: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Mary and Frederik met over drinks at The Slip Inn in Sydney in 2000. Picture: Ian Waldie/Getty Images

Mary is close with her 82-year-old dad but he is unable to travel due to his age and health, the Danish royal family’s head of communications, Lene Balleby, told local media

It’s the second time in recent years Mr Donaldson has skipped a major royal event due to his health.

He also couldn’t make the confirmation of Princess Isabella, Mary and Prince Frederik’s eldest daughter, in 2022.

“Unfortunately, my father is not coming. He is getting to be an elderly gentleman and he is not well enough to take the long trip back to Denmark for a confirmation, but he is with us in our hearts,” Mary said at the time.

Mr Donaldson (far right) at the wedding of Mary and Frederik, with and his wife Susan Moody, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Prince Henrik. Picture: Ian Waldie/Getty Images

Mr Donaldson lived in Denmark for several years with his second wife, British author Susan Moody.

He taught at both Aarhus and Copenhagen universities.

Mary’s mother, Henrietta Donaldson, died from a heart condition in 1997, three years before her daughter met Prince Frederik, who will on Sunday become King Frederik X of Denmark.

Mary’s mum, Henrietta, died in 1997. Picture: YouTube.

Mary will instead be supported at the coronation by her older sister, Jane Stephens, who will fly out from Hobart for the occasion.

The sisters are believed to have stayed close through the 20 years Mary has lived in Denmark as royalty.

Ms Stephens served as a bridesmaid at Mary’s wedding to Frederik in 2004, alongside their other sister Patricia and Mary’s friend Amber Petty.

She is the godmother to Mary and Frederik’s eldest son, Prince Christian, who will become first in line to the throne once his father ascends.

Mary with her siblings, John, Patricia and Jane. Picture: Sarah Rhodes

Previously, Ms Stephens has said she believed their late mother would be immensely proud of what Mary has achieved.

“Mary has embraced her role as crown princess with dignity and grace, earning the admiration and respect of people all over the world,” she told The Mercury in 2022, ahead of Mary’s 50th birthday celebrations.

“Our mother would have been bursting with love and pride.

“I am enormously proud of my sister. Her passion and drive has brought causes that are close to her heart into the spotlight, which I’m sure will make a difference in our world.”