Katharine Worsley, the Duchess of Kent, who was a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth, died peacefully on Thursday at Kensington Palace aged 92.
Prince William and Kate led the tributes following the sad news this afternoon(Image: Alberto Pezzali – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The Prince and Princess of Wales have paid a personal heartfelt tribute to the Duchess of Kent, Katharine Worsley, after her death was announced earlier on Friday, September 5.
Buckingham Palace issued a statement earlier today that the Duchess died peacefully on Thursday evening at her Kensington Palace home surrounded by her family, aged 92. The Duchess was renowned for comforting defeated Wimbledon finalists.
Most memorably a distraught Jana Novotna in 1993, and handed out trophies at the tournament for a number of years. She chose to be addressed as Mrs Kent and abandoned her HRH title, withdrawing from royal duties to spend more than a decade teaching music in a state primary school in Hull.
Leading the tributes following her sad death as it was announced, William and Kate said: ” Our thoughts today are with The Duke of Kent and his family, particularly George, Helen and Nicholas.
“The Duchess worked tirelessly to help others and supported many causes, including through her love of music. She will be a much missed member of the family. W and C.”
The Duchess of Kent has died aged 92(Image: PA)
The Duchess, who was a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth, was last spotted in public in October alongside her husband in a wheelchair.
Following the death of the late Queen, she had become the Royal Family’s eldest member but in recent years made very few public appearances and did not attend the former monarch’s funeral or King Charles’ Coronation in May 2023.
When she tied the knot with Edward in 1961, Duke of Kent, who was given the nickname Steady Eddie, she became a familiar presence at royal occasions including Wimbledon.
However as she grew older, her existence transformed dramatically, abandoning her HRH title and becoming a discreet music instructor. The couple welcomed three children George, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen Taylor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor.
Confirming her passing, Buckingham Palace released a statement: “It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent. Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.
“The King and Queen and all Members of The Royal Family join The Duke of Kent, his children and grandchildren in mourning their loss and remembering fondly The Duchess’s life-long devotion to all the organisations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people.”
The Duchess will receive a Catholic funeral with the date to be revealed in due course. Senior royals including the King and Queen are expected to attend.
This will mark the first Catholic funeral service conducted for a Royal Family member in British history. The King, who is currently at Balmoral, was notified on Thursday evening and other Royal Family members were also briefed about the news.
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