Duchess Katharine of Kent Passes Away at 92 Years Old
Duchess of Kent, Katharine, Passes Away at the Age of 92
The Duchess of Kent, Katharine, has passed away at the age of 92. The news was announced with a formal framed notice displayed on the palace railings.
Katharine, who was the oldest living member of the Royal Family following Queen Elizabeth II's death in 2022, spent 64 years as the wife of Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent. They were married in a grand ceremony at York Minster in 1961.
The couple's bond grew stronger than ever after Edward suffered a stroke in 2013, prompting Katharine to move back into their Kensington Palace home.
Katharine had three surviving children, George, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen Windsor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor. In her later years, she was rarely seen in public but was a much-loved and respected member of the royal family.
Before her royal life, Katharine spent 13 years teaching music at a primary school in Hull. She was a skilled pianist, organist, and singer, and was happiest when teaching music to children, simply known as "Mrs Kent."
Katharine's appearances at Wimbledon, where she presented the winners' trophies, became a familiar feature of the summer sporting calendar. She was known for consoling losing Wimbledon finalists, notably Jana Novotna in 1993, and her compassionate gestures earned her a special place in the hearts of many.
However, her relationship with Wimbledon authorities soured when she was refused permission to take the young son of murdered headmaster Philip Lawrence into the royal box at the tournament.
Katharine endured heartbreak when she was forced to have a termination after catching German measles while pregnant in 1975. The Duchess also suffered the devastation of giving birth to a stillborn son, Patrick, in 1977.
In 1993, Katharine put royal formalities and protocol aside to hug Jana Novotna after she lost the ladies' singles final to Steffi Graf at Wimbledon. This gesture of empathy and understanding was a testament to her compassionate nature.
The Prince and Princess of Wales paid a personal tribute to the Duchess of Kent. The Union Flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.
Katharine dropped her HRH style and preferred to be known as Mrs Kent. Despite leading a separate life from the Duke of Kent for many years, the couple did not divorce.
The current partner of the Duchess of Kent at the time of her death was her husband, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. Their marriage spanned six decades and was marked by a deep and lasting love.
Katharine will be remembered as a compassionate, caring, and resilient woman who touched the lives of many during her time as a member of the royal family.
