Buckingham Palace has announced the death of Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, at the age of 92.
A statement was released on Friday (September 5) to confirm the sad news. The duchess was married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.
The duchess became the oldest living member of the british royal family after the queen’s death in September 2022.
Royal fans have shared their tributes to the duchess on social media today.
Buckingham Palace announces death of Duchess of Kent
The statement read on Friday: “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.”
It added: “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.”
Tributes have poured in, remembering the beloved duchess.
One person said: “Very sad to hear this. Sending love to all those who have loved her.”
Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace.
In addition, another royal fan wrote: “She was a beautiful, refined lady. RIP Duchess. Sincere condolences to you all.”
Meanwhile, a third added: “This is such sad news, she was the epitome of of style and grace, such a warm loving woman, thoughts and prayers are with her family.”
The duchess’ last public appearance
In October 2024, the Duchess of Kent was seen using a wheelchair on the doorsteps of Wren House, in the grounds of Kensington Palace. She and Prince Edward watched a performance by three pipers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
The tribute marked the Duke of Kent’s 89th birthday.
Duchess of Kent and husband Duke of Kent’s marriage
The Duke and Duchess of Kent were married for 64 years. They first met when he was station at Catterick near Richmond in 1956.
The couple’s engagement was announced in March 1961. They then tied the knot at York Minister on June 8 of that year. It was the first royal marriage in that location in 633 years.
The Duke and Duchess of Kent had three children, George, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen Taylor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor.
They also have 10 grandchildren.
Was the Duchess of Kent a working royal?
The Duchess of Kent became a working member of the royal family after her marriage.
She was known for her appearances at Wimbledon, where she presented the Ladies’ Singles Trophy for many years.
The duchess focused on her passion for music as well as her charity work to help children and young people. Meanwhile, for several years, the duchess taught music at a primary school in Hull.
However, in 2002, she stepped aside from being a working royal to focus on her private and charitable work.
