Duchess of Kent Dies Aged 92 in Kensington Palace

Lead The Duchess of Kent, Katharine Worsley, passed away peacefully at Kensington Palace on Thursday night, Buckingham Palace announced, marking the end of her lifelong devotion to music and charitable causes in London today.

Nut Graf As a former music teacher in Hull and a familiar figure at Wimbledon, the Duchess of Kent combined royal duty with personal passion, earning widespread admiration for her empathy and support of young people.

Details of the Passing

Buckingham Palace issued a statement expressing “deep sorrow” at her death and confirmed she was surrounded by family when she died.
Flags at royal residences, including Buckingham Palace, were lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.

Royal Response and Mourning

The King and Queen, alongside all members of the Royal Family, join the Duke of Kent, his children, and grandchildren in mourning her loss and celebrating her charitable legacy.
A period of royal mourning will be observed until the Duchess’s funeral, with black armbands worn by public-duty personnel.

Legacy and Public Life

Wimbledon Emissary

First presenting trophies in 1969, she became renowned for comforting a tearful Jana Novotna after the 1993 Ladies’ Final and congratulating her on her 1998 victory.

Musical Advocate

Taught music at a primary school in Hull under the name Mrs. Kent, inspiring students while keeping her royal identity private.
Supported several music charities and founded Future Talent to provide instruments to underprivileged youth.

Personal Milestones

Born Katharine Worsley in Yorkshire in 1933, she married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in 1961.
Converted to Roman Catholicism in 1994, becoming the first senior royal to do so in over three centuries.
Survived by her husband, the Duke of Kent, and their three children.

Further updates on funeral arrangements will be released by Buckingham Palace in due course.