The British royal family is in mourning following the death of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, at the age of 92. Buckingham Palace announced her passing with deep sorrow, confirming that she died peacefully on the night of September 5, 2025, at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.
A Lifetime of Dedication
Katharine, known simply as “Mrs. Kent” in some circles, was the longest-serving member of the British royal family. She married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in 1961, and became a beloved figure not only within the royal family but also in the wider public sphere.
The Duchess was a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and her dedication to charitable work and the arts left a lasting legacy. The King and Queen, along with other royal family members, joined the Duke of Kent and their children and grandchildren in mourning her passing. The Palace reflected on her lifelong devotion to causes close to her heart, including her passion for music and her empathy for young people.
A Devoted Music Lover and Charitable Advocate
Katharine was deeply committed to music, not just as a patron but as an active participant in teaching and supporting music education. She worked with numerous charities, including teaching music at a primary school where her royal status was not known to the students, and she was affectionately called “Mrs. Kent” by the children. Her love for music and her compassion for others, especially young people, shaped much of her public life.
Her charity work extended beyond the arts, and she was also involved in various causes, including homelessness, where she volunteered for The Passage charity, founded by Cardinal Basil Hume. This empathy for the less fortunate was a central part of her public persona.
The Royal Life: Triumphs and Tragedy
Katharine was born Katharine Worsley in Yorkshire and came from an aristocratic land-owning family. She joined the royal family upon marrying Prince Edward, a grandson of King George V. Despite not receiving formal education until the age of 10, she quickly adapted to royal life and embraced her new responsibilities.
Her wedding in 1961 was a momentous occasion, with Princess Anne serving as one of the bridesmaids and Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles attending the ceremony. However, Katharine’s royal life was not without personal tragedy. In 1977, she suffered the devastating loss of a stillborn son, Patrick, a tragedy that had a profound emotional impact. The loss caused her immense grief, leading to a period of intense depression, a topic she bravely opened up about at a time when mental health struggles were rarely discussed.
In 1994, the Duchess made history by becoming the first royal in over 300 years to convert to Catholicism. This decision, which she described as a “long-pondered personal choice,” further exemplified her courage to chart her own path.
A Quiet Departure from Royal Duties
In 2002, Katharine chose to step back from her royal duties and no longer used the style “Her Royal Highness.” From then on, she was informally known as Katharine Kent or Katharine, Duchess of Kent. Despite stepping back, she remained a presence at key royal events, attending her children’s weddings and significant milestones in the royal family.
Notably, Katharine chose not to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022 or King Charles III’s coronation in 2023, further underlining her preference for a quieter life outside the limelight, yet one that still carried weight and significance in royal circles.
A Final Legacy
Katharine leaves behind her husband, the 89-year-old Duke of Kent, and their two sons and daughter. Her passing marks the end of an era for the British royal family, and she will be remembered fondly for her resilience, her charitable contributions, and her dedication to both her family and the causes she championed.
As the royal family mourns her loss, many will reflect on her legacy, not just as a member of the royal family but as a woman who lived a life of purpose, grace, and deep compassion for those in need. The Duchess of Kent will forever be remembered for her enduring love for music, her service to the community, and her commitment to those who needed her most.