Duchess of Kent Passes Away at 92
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, known for her contributions to music and her role at Wimbledon, 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 Taylor; and Lord Nicholas Windsor.
The Duchess was renowned for her association with the Wimbledon tennis tournament, where she presented trophies for many years. Notably, in 1993, she comforted a tearful Jana Novotna after her defeat in the singles final.
A passionate musician, she taught music at a primary school in Hull for over a decade and founded the charity Future Talent in 2004 to support young musicians from low-income backgrounds. In 1994, she became the first member of the British royal family to convert to Roman Catholicism since the 17th century.
"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," Buckingham Palace stated.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked, > "She brought compassion, dignity and a human touch to everything she ... "
The Union Flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.
The Duchess is survived by her husband, the Duke of Kent, their three children, and ten grandchildren.