Royal fans also expressed sorrow, one writing: “She was a beautiful, refined lady. RIP Duchess. Sincere condolences to you all.”
Prime Minister’s Tribute
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer added his condolences in a statement:
“I wish to send my sincere condolences to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family on the death of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent. My thoughts are with her husband, His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, her family and all those whose lives she touched.”
Last Public Appearance
The Duchess was last seen in October 2024 at Wren House, Kensington Palace, where she appeared in a wheelchair alongside her husband to mark his 89th birthday. The couple watched a performance by pipers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
A Lifetime of Service
Katharine Worsley married Prince Edward on June 8, 1961, in York Minster, the first royal wedding at the cathedral in 633 years. The couple went on to have three children—George, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen Taylor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor—and ten grandchildren.
As Duchess of Kent, she became a prominent working royal, remembered for her appearances at Wimbledon, where she presented trophies to champions for many years. Away from the spotlight, she quietly pursued her passion for music, even teaching at a primary school in Hull.
In 2002, she stepped back from official royal duties to focus on her private life and charitable commitments, particularly supporting children and young people through education and the arts.
