She was a trailblazer before the term was even invented.
But despite relinquishing herself from royal duties – along with her HRH title – and converting to Catholicism, the Duchess of Kent retained the enduring love and admiration of the entire Royal Family.
And so it was with ‘deep sorrow’ that Buckingham Palace yesterday announced the death – at the age of 92 – of the woman who preferred to be called plain ‘Katharine Kent’.
The glamorous wife of the Duke of Kent, grandson of King George V and first cousin to Queen Elizabeth, died peacefully at her home, Wren House at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family late on Thursday night.
She had been the oldest living member of the Royal Family since the death of the late Queen.
Her cause of death was not given, but friends say she had been unwell for ‘some time’.
In a statement the Palace said: ‘The King and Queen and all members of the Royal Family join the Duke of Kent in mourning the 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 Prince and Princess of Wales said their thoughts were with the Duke of Kent, 89, and the couple’s three children: George, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen, and Lord Nicholas Windsor.
Despite relinquishing herself from royal duties – along with her HRH title – and converting to Catholicism, the Duchess of Kent retained the enduring love and admiration of the entire Royal Family. Pictured: the Duchess of Kent on a 1991 red carpet
It was with ‘deep sorrow’ that Buckingham Palace yesterday announced the death – at the age of 92 – of the woman who preferred to be called plain ‘Katharine Kent’
The glamorous wife of the Duke of Kent, grandson of King George V and first cousin to Queen Elizabeth, died peacefully at her home, Wren House at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family late on Thursday night. Pictured: the Dutchess of Kent in 2011
The Prince and Princess of Wales said their thoughts were with the Duke of Kent, 89, and the couple’s three children: George, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen, and Lord Nicholas Windsor
A spokesman for Prince Harry said he had sent his condolences privately to the Kent family.
The King was at Balmoral when he was informed of her death. He has approved a week of ‘royal mourning’ up to and including the day of the duchess’s funeral.
During this time members of the Royal Family and staff will wear clothing which pays ‘appropriate tribute’.
The Union Flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast at midday on Friday as a mark of respect and a framed announcement was posted on the railings, as per tradition.
The duchess had not been a working royal since 2002, after she sought permission from Queen Elizabeth to withdraw from public life following a string of tragedies, including the loss of two babies and a period of depression, for which she was hospitalised.
She also famously comforted Czech tennis player Jana Navotna after she lost the ladies’ singles final at Wimbledon in 1993.
Royal engagements will continue during the period of mourning, although individual households will consider what the ‘appropriate’ tone should be.
The royal website has been changed to reflect the announcement and an online book of condolence will be made available in the coming days.
The duchess had not been a working royal since 2002, after she sought permission from Queen Elizabeth to withdraw from public life following a string of tragedies. She also famously comforted Czech tennis player Jana Navotna (pictured) after she lost the ladies’ singles final at Wimbledon in 1993
A spokesman for Prince Harry said he had sent his condolences privately to the Kent family. By coincidence, he will be in the UK next week for a number of public engagements and could attend the funeral
The Daily Mail understands the funeral for the Duchess of Kent (pictured) will take place at the Roman Catholic Westminster Cathedral in London, in line with the duchess’s wishes, towards the end of next week. It is understood there will be a ‘full’ turn-out at the funeral
The Union Flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast at midday on Friday as a mark of respect and a framed announcement was posted on the railings, as per tradition
The Daily Mail understands the funeral will take place at the Roman Catholic Westminster Cathedral in London, in line with the duchess’s wishes, towards the end of next week.
In 1994 she became the first royal to convert to Catholicism since the Act of Settlement of 1701, having sought permission from the late Queen.
Since her husband, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, did not convert, he remained in the line of succession. It is understood there will be a ‘full’ turn-out at the funeral, which is likely to include non-working royals such as the Duke of York.
Prince Harry who, by coincidence, will be in the UK next week for a number of public engagements, could also attend.
The duchess was born Katharine Worsley in Yorkshire on February 22, 1933, and always thought of herself as a ‘proud Yorkshire lass’.
She was a concert-standard pianist who, when she withdrew from public duties, taught anonymously at a state primary school in Hull for 13 years.
While she and her husband lived separate lives for many years, they never divorced and were still living happily together at the palace until the end of her life.
Nicholas Robinson, a friend of the duchess for more than two decades, said: ‘She was once described as Katharine, the compassionate duchess. And that word sums her up. She was such a kind and understanding person. It was all about other people.’
While she and her husband, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, lived separate lives for many years, they never divorced and were still living happily together at the palace until the end of her life. Pictured: the Duke and Duchess of Kent in 1961
Nicholas Robinson, a friend of the duchess (pictured) for more than two decades, said: ‘She was once described as Katharine, the compassionate duchess. And that word sums her up. She was such a kind and understanding person. It was all about other people’
Some 21 years ago the pair set up the charity Future Talent, which helps promising young musicians who do not have access to the right financial support.
Mr Robinson recalled: ‘She was such a hands-on founder. In those early years – and bear in mind she was 71 at the time – she was at our office three days a week.
‘Her tragic experiences gave her a deeper empathy and understanding in being able to connect with people. She was a trailblazer in her way, doing it in the background quietly and effortlessly.’
Queen Elizabeth made Katharine a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in a sign of her affection. Until the end, however, her most cherished title was simply ‘Mrs Kent’.
