Duchess of Kent Passes Away at 92
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, known for her association with Wimbledon and dedication to music education, has died at 92.
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, passed away peacefully on Thursday night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday. She was 92.
Born Katharine Worsley on February 22, 1933, she married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in 1961, becoming a member of the British royal family. The couple had three children: George, Earl of St. Andrews; Lady Helen Windsor; and Lord Nicholas Windsor.
The Duchess was closely associated with the Wimbledon tennis tournament, presenting trophies from 1969 onwards. Notably, in 1993, she comforted runner-up Jana Novotna after her singles final loss, offering her a shoulder to cry on. She told Novotna, "I know you will win it one day, don't worry," a prediction that came true when Novotna won the title five years later.
In 1994, the Duchess converted to Roman Catholicism, becoming the first British royal to do so since King Charles II in 1685. This decision was made with the approval of Queen Elizabeth II.
A passionate musician, the Duchess taught music for over a decade at a public school in Hull, northeast England. She also founded the charity Future Talent to support young musicians from low-income backgrounds by providing instruments and funding lessons.
King Charles III and the royal family expressed their sorrow, stating, "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 ... ."