The Duke of Kent was emotional as he laid his wife of 64 years to rest this afternoon.
The 89-year-old widower, Prince Edward, was sombre as he attended the Duchess of Kent’s funeral at Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday.
He entered with a walking stick, and was later seen holding onto his daughter Lady Helen Taylor. They were surrounded by Royal Family members who made an appearance to pay their respects.
In 1956, the Duchess, Katharine, first crossed paths with Prince Edward when he was stationed at Catterick Garrisons near her family home.
Five years later in March 1961, the couple announced their engagement and officially tied the knot in June.
At their wedding, she wore the Kent Diamond and Pearl Fringe Tiara and a dress designed by John Cavanagh.
Although the Duke and Duchess of Kent could have married at Westminster Abbey, Katharine was adamant that she wanted to have the ceremony in her home country – and even reportedly referred to herself as a ‘Yorkshire lass’. As such, the bride and groom settled on York Minister – which had not hosted a royal wedding for more than 600 years at the time.
Katharine was the first woman without a title to marry into the Royal Family for more than a century. The couple went on to have their three children George Windsor, Earl of St Andrew, 63, Lady Helen Taylor, 61, and Lord Nicholas Windsor, 55.
Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, looked emotional as he saw the coffin of his late wife following a Requiem Mass
In 1956, the Duchess, Katharine, first crossed paths with Prince Edward when he was stationed at Catterick Garrisons near her family home. The Duke pictured at her funeral today
At today’s funeral, the King led royal arrivals including Prince William and Kate and his brother Prince Andrew = as they paid their respects to the Duchess of Kent after her death aged 92.
But Buckingham Palace announced just two hours before the private family service began that Queen Camilla had pulled out as she recovers from acute sinusitis.
Among the others attending were Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Prince Andrew with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
Andrew, who no longer carries out official duties for the monarchy after stepping down six years ago amid the furore over his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, exited his car first and joined Sarah as they walked in together.
The Duke of Kent’s brother, Prince Michael of Kent, also arrived, appearing frail and walking slowly using a stick as he made his way into the church for the funeral. He was accompanied by his wife Princess Michael of Kent, who was also using a stick.
With them was their daughter Lady Gabriella Windsor, and they led a large contingent of royals all dressed in black in mourning, including Lord Frederick Windsor and Lady Sophie Windsor, with some of the party arriving together by bus.
Lady Helen Windsor, wearing a hat with tulle detail, joined her father, the Duke of Kent, followed by her brothers the Earl of St Andrews and Lord Nicholas Windsor.
The King arrived with his top aide, principal private secretary Sir Clive Alderton, and smiled after arriving before the doors of the cathedral were closed behind him.
Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent , was solemn as he attended the Funeral of the Duchess of Kent
The Duke was emotional as he watched his wife’s coffin be carried out after her Requiem Mass service
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The Duke used a walking stick and was supported by his daughter Helen Taylor for the event this afternoon
Pictured: The Duke of Kent and Lady Helen Taylor are seen leaving Westminster Cathedral this afternoon
Edward held onto his daughter Helen as they Westminster Cathedral following the service this afternoon
The Duke pictured leaving the Cathedral following the Requiem Mass service for the Duchess of Kent
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent leaving following a Requiem Mass, a Catholic funeral service, for his wife
The Duke of Kent was emotional as he laid his wife – whom he had been with for 64 years – to rest this afternoon
In emotional scenes, the 89-year-old was sombre as he attended the Duchess of Kent’s funeral at Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday
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Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, used a walking stick as he arrived at Westminster Cathedral today
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The Duke of Kent arrived with family members for the requiem mass this afternoon, holding onto his daughter
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The coffin of the Duchess of Kent pictured lying during the requiem mass service this afternoon
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A general view of the funeral service for the Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral pictured today
William had a white handkerchief tucked in his top pocket, while Kate wore a black hat with a large bow at the back and netting detail at the front, and pearl earrings, with her hair down at the back, as well as a necklace belonging to the late Queen.
Former Formula One world champion Sir Jackie Stewart and actresses Rula Lenska and Dame Maureen Lipman were among the other mourners in attendance.
The service was conducted by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, leader of the Roman Catholic church in England and Wales.
Personal elements of the ceremony included the participation of three of the Duchess’s grandchildren – Lady Marina-Charlotte Windsor, Eloise Taylor and Albert Windsor – who read the Prayer of the Faithful.
The requiem mass, a Catholic funeral, is the first to be held for a member of the monarchy in modern British history and featured a Scottish bagpipe lament performed during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral at Windsor Castle in 2022.
A piper from The Royal Dragoon Guards played the lament – Sleep, Dearie, Sleep – while processing from the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary, past the Duchess’s coffin in the Nave and down the cathedral’s central aisle.
The late Queen’s funeral service in St George’s Chapel ended with a piper playing the same tune.
The choir and organist of Westminster Cathedral provided choral music, composed by Maurice Durufle.
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The Duke of Kent pictured as he arrives for the requiem mass service for the Duchess of Kent today
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The Duke of Kent pictured with his daughter as they arrive for the requiem mass service for the Duchess of Kent today
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Pictured: King Charles was among the royals, alongside Prince William and the Princess of Wales
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The Prince and Princess of Wales were also in attendance for the funeral at Westminster Cathedral today
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Pictured: Princess Anne arriving at the funeral for the Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral today
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Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence pictured arriving for the requiem mass service this afternoon
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Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson were also in attendance at the requiem mass for the Duchess of Kent today
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The Duchess of Edinburgh was among the royals at the requiem mass service for the Duchess of Kent today
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A general view of the funeral service for the Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral this afternoon
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Prince and Princess Michael of Kent arriving for the requiem mass service today, which was attended by a myriad of royals
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Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester arrive for the funeral
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Prince and Princess Michael of Kent arrive for the requiem mass service for the Duchess today
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Lady Amelia Windsor pictured at her grandmother the Duchess of Kent’s funeral at Westminster Cathedral today
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The Duke of Kent pictured arriving with royal family members for the requiem mass this afternoon
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Lady Eloise Taylor and Lady Estella Taylor both pictured today at the funeral of the Duchess of Kent
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The Princess of Wales pictured today, at the requiem mass service for the Duchess of Kent today
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The Duchess of Edinburgh pictured today at the requiem mass service for the Duchess of Kent today
The music included Mozart’s Ave verum corpus, selected by the Duchess as her favourite piece when she was on Desert Island Discs in 1990.
Katharine, the wife of the late Queen’s cousin the Duke of Kent, died peacefully at her Kensington Palace home, surrounded by her family, on the evening of September 4.
A devout follower of the Roman Catholic faith, the Duchess became the first member of the royal family to convert to Catholicism for more than 300 years, doing so in 1994, and it was her wish to have her funeral at Westminster Cathedral.
Meanwhile the announcement about Camilla’s absence today raised questions over her attendance at US President Donald Trump’s high-stakes and busy state visit, which begins in full at Windsor tomorrow and is being hosted by the King.
The Queen, is, however, hopeful that she will have recovered sufficiently to be able to attend all royal elements of the controversial American leader’s trip as planned, with highlights including a lavish state banquet.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: ‘With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis.
‘Her thoughts and prayers will be with The Duke of Kent and all the family.’
The Duke of Kent has been informed, and is said to fully understand Camilla’s decision, and has sent his best wishes for a speedy recovery.
The Queen travelled down from Scotland this morning before heading to Windsor to rest.
At Westminster Cathedral today, the Duchess’s coffin is a wicker construction made from English willow and is draped with the royal standard which has a white ermine border signifying she was the spouse of a prince.
A large wreath of British garden flowers chosen by the Duchess’s family was placed on top of the coffin and included white roses, the symbol of Yorkshire, the county where she was born.
The floral tribute featured sprays of rosemary for remembrance, oak leaves for strength, seasonal September flowers symbolising farewell, achillea representing healing and strength, jasmine for amiability and sprigs of yew from the gardens of Hovingham Hall, the Duchess’s childhood home, representing eternal life.
Soldiers from The Royal Dragoon Guards have played an important role during her Catholic funeral, which traditionally runs over two days, with a piper leading the funeral cortege and other soldiers carrying the coffin into the cathedral when it arrived yesterday evening.
A personal message by the Pope was read during the service praising the duchess’s ‘legacy of Christian goodness’ and her ‘devoted care for vulnerable people in society’.
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Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester pictured together for the funeral today
The Pope’s words, which were read by Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, said: ‘I was saddened to learn of the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent and I send heartfelt condolences, together with the assurance of my prayerful closeness, to Your Majesty, the members of the royal family, and especially to her husband, the Duke of Kent, and their children and grandchildren at this time of sorrow.
‘Entrusting her noble soul to the mercy of our Heavenly Father, I readily associate myself with all those offering thanksgiving to Almighty God for the duchess’s legacy of Christian goodness, seen in her many years of dedication to official duties, patronage of charities and devoted care for vulnerable people in society.
‘To all who mourn her loss, in the sure hope of the resurrection, I willingly impart my apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in the Risen Lord.’
The Duchess’s is the first royal funeral at the cathedral in the Victoria area of Central London since its construction in 1903.
The King is not be the first monarch to have attended a Catholic funeral, as Queen Elizabeth II attended the Catholic state funeral of King Baudouin of the Belgians, at St Michael’s Cathedral in Brussels, in August 1993.
Charles, when Prince of Wales, went to Pope John Paul II’s funeral, representing his mother the late Queen, in 2005, while his son William attended Pope Francis’s funeral mass earlier this year.
Yesterday, the Duchess’s coffin was received during a solemn ceremony at the cathedral on the eve of her funeral service.
Soldiers from The Royal Dragoon Guards, a regiment she supported as deputy Colonel-in-Chief, were given the duty of carrying the coffin from the royal hearse into the place of worship.
Immediate family, including her widower, the Duke of Kent and their daughter Lady Helen Taylor, had been welcomed by the Dean of Westminster Cathedral Father Slawomir Witon and watched from the cathedral steps as the soldiers slowly carried the coffin.
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Pictured centre left to right: Columbus Taylor and Cassius Taylor arrive for the funeral service today
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Mourners arriving for the Duchess of Kent’s funeral service at Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday
Before the coffin’s arrival, the Duke of Kent’s siblings Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra entered the cathedral to take their place before a series of private funeral rites.
It had set off on its journey from Kensington Palace with a piper from The Royal Dragoon Guards walking ahead of the cortege for the first few minutes.
The funeral rites included a Vigil for the Deceased, Rite of Reception, which usually involves the coffin being sprinkled with holy water, and evening prayers known as Vespers taken by Bishop James Curry, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and Titular Bishop of Ramsbury.
At the conclusion the Cross and a Book of The Gospels was placed on the coffin inside the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Announcing her death, Buckingham Palace said: ‘It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.
‘Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.
‘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.’
The union flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half mast at midday as a mark of respect and a formal framed announcement was posted on the railings of the royal residence shortly.
The Duchess, who became the oldest member of the royal family following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, made a rare appearance in October 2024 when she was pictured in a wheelchair for the first time.
Wrapped in a blue shawl, she joined her husband outside their Kensington Palace home, Wren House, to watch bagpipers play Happy Birthday on the day he turned 89.
The Duchess volunteered for the Samaritans, toured countries as a Unicef ambassador and, in 2004, founded the charity Future Talent.
The organisation, whose ambassadors include the musician Sting, works to break down barriers and give children from low-income backgrounds equal opportunities to excel in music by helping with the purchase of instruments and funding of music lessons.
The Duchess – a skilled pianist, organist and singer – secretly began teaching music at state primary schools in East Yorkshire and Hammersmith, West London.
After visiting Wansbeck Primary School in Hull in 1996, she offered to help with music teaching and gave a weekly 40-minute lesson, as well as working with its choir, spending 13 years at the school.
The Yorkshire-born Duchess said: ‘I love those children, I loved being there and I love East Hull. I wouldn’t have stayed there for 13 years if I hadn’t.’
She also taught part-time in a school attended by children who lived in Grenfell Tower and in 2018 attended a memorial service at the base of the high-rise building to mark the first anniversary of the fire which claimed 72 lives.
Born Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley on February 22 1933, she had an aristocratic upbringing as the only daughter of landowner Colonel Sir William Worsley – a baronet – and Lady Worsley of Hovingham Hall, near York.
She married King George V’s grandson Edward, Duke of Kent, dubbed Steady Eddie by the royal family for his dependable service, in a grand ceremony in York Minster in 1961 and became known for her elegant fashion style.
The pair have three surviving children, George, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen Windsor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor.
The Duchess suffered heartbreak after catching German measles while pregnant in 1975, forcing her to have a termination, and then two years later she endured the devastation of giving birth to a stillborn son, Patrick.
She went on to suffer from depression and nervous strain, and also faced a number of other health issues including a recurrent gallbladder problem, treatment for an ovarian cyst, and the Epstein-Barr virus with symptoms resembling those of ME or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Her appearance at Wimbledon to present winners’ trophies became a familiar feature of the summer sporting calendar and she was famed for offering support to disappointed runners-up.
She put aside royal formalities in 1993, hugging a tearful Jana Novotna after she lost the ladies’ singles final to Steffi Graff.
The Duchess also backed tennis champion Martina Navratilova in her campaign to persuade the Czech authorities to allow her parents to witness her Wimbledon triumph, which was rewarded with success in 1979.
Katharine later became disenchanted with the Wimbledon authorities when, in 1999, she was refused permission to take the young son of murdered headmaster Philip Lawrence into the royal box.
For many years she led a separate life from the Duke but the couple did not divorce.
Elizabeth II gave the duchess permission to drop her HRH style when she stepped away from the public spotlight.
But the Duke and Duchess were said to be closer than ever after her husband suffered a stroke in 2013, with Katharine moving back to their Wren House home.
The Duchess attended events marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and was present for the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s 2011 wedding, and the Sussexes’ nuptials in 2018 where she wore comfortable white trainers paired with a floral Erdem maxi dress and walked arm in arm with a staff member from the royal household for support.
But she did not take part in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations nor attend her funeral or the King’s coronation.
