Buckingham Palace has announced with great sadness the passing of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, the wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. The Duchess, who was a first cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II, was a beloved and respected senior member of the Royal Family and died at the age of 92.
In the official statement released by the Palace, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, along with the rest of the Royal Family, expressed their profound grief at the loss.
The official communication read: “It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the passing of the Duchess of Kent. Her Royal Highness died peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.”
The Monarch’s Tribute
The Palace’s statement highlighted the Duchess’s notable qualities and contributions:
- A Lifetime of Devotion: King Charles and Queen Camilla shared their condolences with the Duke of Kent and his children and grandchildren, and “fondly recall Her Royal Highness’s lifelong dedication to all the organisations with which she was associated.”
- The Passion for Music: Duchess Katharine was renowned for her deep love of music. She famously surprised the public by working in secret as a music teacher at a primary school in Hull, where students knew her simply as “Mrs. Kent,” a testament to her humility and desire to connect with young people through music.
- Empathy and Compassion: She was particularly endeared to the public for her compassion and empathy for young people, notably through her comforting presence at the Wimbledon tennis championships, where she was known for her heartfelt gestures of consolation to losing players.
King Charles has reportedly ordered a period of official Royal Mourning to honour the Duchess. During this time, flags at Buckingham Palace and other Royal residences will be flown at half-mast.
The passing of the Duchess of Kent is not only a loss for the Duke of Kent’s immediate family but also a poignant moment for the United Kingdom, as they remember a Royal who dedicated her life to service, charity, and the arts.