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The Duchess of Kent, well-known for breaking royal protocol to comfort a Wimbledon finalist and for her decision to teach music at a public school, has passed away at 92, Buckingham Palace confirms.
Born as Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley, she was the wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who was a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Katharine passed away on Thursday at her residence in Kensington Palace.
“It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
“Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.”
After marrying Prince Edward in 1961, the duchess had been a working member of the British royal family for decades.
But in recent decades she had kept a low profile, retiring her royal title in 2002.
The duchess was a staple at Wimbledon, presenting awards for many years and was remembered for her compassion towards runners-up, particularly when she hugged a tearful Jana Novotna following her loss to Steffi Graf in 1993.
Known for preferring the title Mrs. Kent, she withdrew from royal duties to pursue teaching music for over ten years at a public school in Hull, located in north-east England.
The pianist, organist and singer founded the charity Future Talent to break down barriers for young musicians and provide them with instruments.
She was the first royal to convert to Catholicism in more than three centuries and volunteered for the suicide-prevention group Samaritans.
King Charles III and the royal family expressed their sorrow in a statement, highlighting their remembrance of “the Duchess’s lifelong dedication to her affiliated organisations, her love for music, and her understanding of young people.”
The flag was lowered to half-staff at Buckingham Palace at midday on Friday to pay respect to the duchess.
Katharine was born on February 22, 1933, as the only daughter of Colonel Sir William Worsley, an aristocrat and baronet, and Lady Worsley of Hovingham Hall, near York.
She married Edward, King George V’s grandson, in a lavish 1961 ceremony.
She is survived by Edward and three children, George, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen Windsor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor.
– Reported with Associated Press
