Duchess of Kent Passes Away at 92
The Duchess of Kent, known for her contributions to music education and her role at Wimbledon, has died at the age of 92.
The Duchess of Kent, Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley, has died at the age of 92, Buckingham Palace announced. She passed away peacefully on Thursday night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.
Born on February 22, 1933, Katharine was the only daughter of Col. Sir William Worsley and Lady Worsley of Hovingham Hall, near York. She married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a grandson of King George V, in 1961.
The Duchess was closely associated with the Wimbledon tennis tournament, presenting trophies for many years. She notably comforted runner-up Jana Novotna after the 1993 final.
A passionate musician, she founded the charity Future Talent in 2004 to support young musicians from low-income backgrounds. She also taught music at a public school in Hull for over a decade.
In 1994, she became the first member of the British royal family in over 300 years to convert to Catholicism.
King Charles III and the royal family expressed their sorrow, remembering "the Duchess’s lifelong devotion to all the organizations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people."
She is survived by her husband, the Duke of Kent, and their three children: George, Earl of St. Andrews; Lady Helen Windsor; and Lord Nicholas Windsor.