Queen Mary of Denmark appeared in good spirits as she was supported by her husband King Frederik and their children for the annual Danish Royal Run.

The Australian-born royal has been grieving the loss of her father, John Donaldson, since his passing in April.

But on Monday, Mary looked ready to race as she shared photos to Instagram of herself stretching and smiling alongside the family dog ahead of the event.

 

The Danish queen later joined her husband and their four children — Prince Christian, 20, Princess Isabella, 19, and twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent, 15 — for a variety of races at the traditional fun run in Copenhagen.

The Danish royal family confirmed Donaldson’s death at age 84 in Tasmania, sharing an emotional statement at the time.

Queen Mary shared behind-the-scenes pictures from the run. Queen Mary shared behind-the-scenes pictures from the run. Credit: Instagram Australian-born Queen Mary of Denmark shared a special tribute to her father. Australian-born Queen Mary of Denmark shared a special tribute to her father. Credit: Instagram/AP

His health had reportedly been deteriorating in recent years and he was unable to attend his daughter’s coronation in 2024.

While the family requested privacy as they grieved, Mary has continued to attend public events, including celebrations for Queen Margrethe II’s birthday.

For race day, the Danish royals joined members of the public for three different race events.

Queen Mary competed in one event, while King Frederik completed all three races on offer.

“I have to admit I have become a slow runner, but I ran the whole way,” she proudly told Danish broadcaster TV2.

“This year my husband wins because he is the only one who ran all the distances.”

Prince Christian and his father King Frederik completed the 10km race.Prince Christian and his father King Frederik completed the 10km race. Credit: Instagram Royal siblings with their race day medals. Royal siblings with their race day medals. Credit: Instagram

Prince Christian, heir to the Danish throne, was absent from the final events as he is currently taking part in a 10 day military exercise and had to return early.

Earlier in the day, he completed the 5km race in Ringkøbing in 22 minutes and 22 seconds, despite stopping along the way for selfies and handshakes.

The outing came amid reports Queen Margrethe had been hospitalised for a second time in recent weeks after a CT scan revealed a blood clot.

When asked about his mother during the day’s events, King Frederik said she was “a pretty cool mother who doesn’t need to run” adding he planned to visit her in hospital the next day.