by Glen Williams
There’s something about Mary, and there’s certainly something about her beautiful look-alike sisters Jane Stephens and Patricia Bailey.
Warm, friendly, poised and with an overwhelming sense of the importance of family – its little wonder Princess Mary is so grounded.
When I first spotted Jane and Patricia I was convinced it was Mary. They all have the same mannerisms, and that amazing regal way of holding themselves.
I caught up with Jane and Patricia at the launch of the rose named after their famous sister. For every rose bush sold, one dollar will go to a cause close to the family – the Heart Foundation – for research into heart disease.
The Donaldson’s lost their mum Henrietta to heart disease, back in 1997.
They were there filling in for Mary as she’d been delayed in starting her Aussie family holiday.
Jayne and Patricia were very careful not to give away any of our Aussie Princess’ holiday plans.
“It’s very private time,” Jane said, “But we’re excited.”
Jane may have been guarded about Mary, but she was very forthcoming when talking of the impact their mother’s death from heart disease had on their young lives.
“There isn’t a moment that goes by that we don’t think about her, that we don’t wish she was still here.” she said.
Then Jane offered me a Princess Mary Rose. Wow! How many people can say they’ve just been given a Princess Mary from Princess Mary’s sister?
For the full story about Princess Mary’s homecoming, see this week’s issue of Woman’s Day.
Video: watch video of Princess Mary’s arrival in Australia.
Mary watch
As well as weekly coverage in Woman’s Day magazine, there will also be regular Mary updates on our website, so check back regularly for the latest on all things Mary!
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