The Duke of Kent is 90 years old, but he continues to make public appearances on behalf of the royal family. And today he is being celebrated by the University of Surrey as he marks 50 years as their Chancellor.
“Fifty years is a remarkable span of service, and our University could not ask for a more steadfast champion than His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent,” President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, Professor Stephen Jarvis, said in a statement today. “His commitment has shaped our University for the better, from opening our research facilities to presiding over graduation ceremonies for tens of thousands of our students. His contribution has been constant and deeply valued. On behalf of everyone at Surrey, I want to thank him for half a century of dedication to this University.”
University of Surrey
The Duke of Kent visited the University of Surrey Department of Music in 1984.
The Duke of Kent, who was born Prince Edward and was the first cousin of Queen Elizabeth, has been a working royal since 1976 when he returned from serving in the military. That year, he took on the role of Chancellor of the University of Surrey, a position he continues to hold today. He visited the university was this January when he was joined by Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. Earlier this month, he also presided over a degree ceremony for the university’s Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences at Guildford Cathedral.
University of Surrey
Prince Edward learned more about the Department of Microbiology during a visit in 1988.
Despite his advanced years, the Duke of Kent continues to play an active role in royal life. He was in the royal box at Wimbledon this year and also attended the annual Order of the Garter at Windsor Castle. He no longer rides in the Trooping the Colour parade but appeared on the balcony this year, where he attracted attention for taking out his mobile phone and appearing to film the RAF flypast.
He has, however, stepped back from some of his public roles. In 2024, it was announced that he would step down as Colonel of the Scots Guards, a position he also held for 50 years. He was succeeded in that role by Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh.
University of Surrey
Earlier in 2026, the Duke made a stop at the university to speak with engineering students.
The Duke of Kent has lived alone in the grounds of Kensington Palace since his wife, Katharine, Duchess of Kent, died last September, aged 92. She had stepped back as a working royal in 1996 to live a life away from the spotlight as a music teacher.
Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures, released in 2021.