Duchess of Kent, the Oldest Member of the Royal Family, Has Passed Away at 92
Buckingham Palace confirms the passing of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, at age 92.
The British royal family has had their fair share of heartache over the last several years, and today, Buckingham Palace announced the passing of the eldest member of the royal family—Katharine, Duchess of Kent. The public figure made Kensington Palace her home for quite some time, and it’s where she died surrounded by her family at the age of 92 on September 4. “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 organizations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people,” the official X account for the royal family shared in a post. Here, we look back on the vibrant life of Katharine, the Duchess of Kent.
How was the Duchess of Kent a royal?
Born Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley, she would go on to marry the first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. The duo met while he was stationed at Catterick Camp, military barracks in northern England. The couple got engaged in 1961 and married the same year. Over the years, they welcomed three children: George, Earl of St. Andrews, Lady Helen Windsor and Lord Nicholas Windsor.
The Duchess of Kent was candid about her personal struggles
In 1977, the Duchess of Kent and her husband endured a personal tragedy when she delivered a stillborn son at full-term. In 1997, the royal opened up about her experience, showing a human side to her and providing women around the world with a sense of comfort, knowing they weren’t alone in such tragedies. “It had the most devastating effect on me,” she shared with The Telegraph that year. “I had no idea how devastating such a thing could be to any woman. It has made me extremely understanding of others who suffer a stillbirth.”
The Duchess of Kent was an active member of the family—and had a career of her own
The Duchess of Kent never shied away from royal duties, and over the years, built quite a career for herself. For several years, she presented the Ladies’ Singles Trophy at Wimbledon. A staunch lover of music, it was back when when she was a child that she was first introduced to the craft, honing her piano, violin and singing skills. This love of music stayed with her most of her life, and throughout the 90s, the Duchess of Kent broke the royal mold when she got a job as a primary school teacher. She spent 13 years teaching music to children—an experience she held dear. She shied away from the fanfare associated with her royal title and was said to simply go by Katharine Kent, Kate or Mrs. Kent. She combined her love of music with her love of helping others with the creation of Future Talent, an organization that aims to provide children with the means to pursue their musical ambitions. She is remembered fondly by her husband, children and grandchildren.
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