Britain’s Duchess of Kent, a cherished member of the royal family renowned for her empathy and dedication to public service, has died at the age of 92. She passed away peacefully on Thursday night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by close family, as announced by Buckingham Palace.
The Duchess, born Katharine Worsley, was married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and was the oldest living member of the royal family at the time of her death. Flags at royal residences were lowered to half-mast in mourning, and the royal family issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and remembering her lifelong devotion to various causes.
Perhaps best known to the public for her long association with the Wimbledon tennis championships, the Duchess was a familiar figure presenting trophies and offering comfort to players. Her most memorable moment came in 1993 when she consoled a tearful Jana Novotna after a heartbreaking loss in the final, a gesture that endeared her to millions worldwide.
Beyond her royal duties, the Duchess carved out a unique path, notably converting to Catholicism in 1994, the first royal to do so in over 300 years. This personal decision reflected her deep faith and led to her involvement with charities like the Passage homelessness organization, supported by her friend Cardinal Basil Hume.
Her passion for music was a defining aspect of her life. She was a great supporter of music education and even taught part-time as a music teacher at Wansbeck Primary School in Hull for over a decade, where she was known simply as “Mrs Kent” to pupils unaware of her royal status. She founded the charity Future Talent to provide musical opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Duchess faced personal challenges, including the stillbirth of a son in 1977, which led to a period of depression, a struggle she later spoke about openly, helping to destigmatize mental health issues. Her resilience and commitment to helping others were widely admired.
Tributes poured in from across the globe, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer praising her “compassion, dignity, and human touch,” while tennis star Martina Navratilova highlighted her positive impact on millions. The Prince and Princess of Wales described her as a “much missed member of the family” who worked tirelessly for causes she believed in.
Her funeral is expected to be a Catholic service, the first for a royal in modern British history, and will likely be attended by senior members of the royal family. She is survived by her husband, the Duke of Kent, and their three children, leaving a legacy of service, music, and kindness.