While the day was no doubt a happy one, as crowds of fans gathered to wish their former monarch a happy birthday, Queen Mary was dressed more somberly. The 54-year-old is in mourning for her late father, Professor John Dalgleish Donaldson, who died in Tasmania on 11 April at the age of 84.
Queen Mary did not wear black as she stepped out in public for the first time since the sad news broke – perhaps not wanting to dampen the spirits of her mother-in-law’s celebration – but the royal mother of four donned a muted ensemble, including her Harris Wharf London blazer and Max Mara trousers, both in a dark shade of navy. She also wore a pair of navy blue Jimmy Choo pumps and a subtle pair of Sophie Bille Brahe earrings.
The wife of King Frederik X announced the news of her father’s passing with a poignant statement, shared to the Danish royal house’s Instagram account.
It read: ‘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.’
The Danish royal family lowered the flags of Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen, to half mast in a mark of respect.