King Charles Attends Historic Catholic Funeral for Duchess of Kent; Queen Camilla Absent Due to Illness

King Charles attended the funeral of Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, at Westminster Cathedral, marking the first Catholic funeral for a British royal in modern history. The service was led by Cardinal Vincent Nichols and included a message from Pope Leo XIV, who praised the duchess for her "dedication to official duties, patronage of charities and devoted care for vulnerable people" and extended his "heartfelt condolences" to the royal family.

Queen Camilla was unable to attend due to acute sinusitis. Buckingham Palace stated that she sent her "deep regrets" and that "her thoughts and prayers will be with the Duke of Kent and all the family." Despite her illness, the Queen plans to participate in the upcoming state visit of President Donald Trump.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with other senior royals, were present at the Requiem Mass. The Duchess of Kent, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 92, was known for her dedication to charitable causes and her love of music. She converted to Catholicism in 1994, becoming the first British royal to do so since King Charles II in 1685.

Following the funeral, the duchess's coffin will be taken to the royal burial ground in Frogmore, on the Windsor estate.