London
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One of the UK’s most beloved royals, the Duchess of Kent, died Thursday night at the age of 92, surrounded by close family.
“It is deeply saddened that Buckingham Palace announces the death of her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Kent,” a statement from Buckingham Palace said.
“Last night, her royal Highness passed away peacefully at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family,” the statement continued.
King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the British royal family will remember the Duchess for “lifelong devotion to all the organizations she was associated with, her passion for music, and her empathy for the youth.”
British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer sent his “honest and pathetic dol opinion” to the royal family after his death, calling the Duchess “one of our most hardworking royals.”
“She brought compassion, dignity and a human touch to everything she did,” he added.
The Prince of Wales and Princess said the Duchess would “be greatly overlooked by the family.”
The king approved the royal mourning period until the day of the funeral. Details of the funeral and who will be attending have not been released yet. Union Jack at Buckingham Palace was hanged to the half-mast in signs of respect following the announcement of the Duchess’ death, and a traditional framed announcement was placed on the railings of the royal residence.
During this period of royal mourning, royal families and members of staff will wear certain clothes until the funeral. The military working in public duties and Royal Muse and Colouring wears black armbands.
The Duchess returned from royal duties in 2002 more than 20 years ago, so she may not be known to the current generation of royal observers as other members of the family. However, in the UK, tennis fans around the world are remembered for the parts played at the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
Catherine Worthley was born into a noble family from Yorkshire, and in 1956 the Duchess met her future husband, Prince Edward, Prince of Kent, who was stationed in military barracks in northern England. She married the royal family five years later in 1961. Prince Edward was the cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
After their wedding, the Duchess became a working royal, volunteering to a Passage Night Shelter for the homeless, travelling the world as an ambassador to UNICEF. The couple had three children and had a full son. In 1994 she became the first royal family to convert to Catholicism for over 300 years.
At Wimbledon, she famously put aside the royal proceedings and became a comforting figure for the finalists of the sport. Most notably comforted Jana Novotna, who was devastated following the defeat of the Czech star in the 1993 final.
Five years later, when Novotona defeated Natalie Tauziato in the final to win the title, it was a different story.
After returning from official duties in 2002, the Duchess, who had a deep passion for music and played the piano, organ and violin, taught subject matter for several years at primary schools in Hull, northeastern England. She also founded Future Talent, a charity that aims to equally provide children with opportunities to excel in music.
