The British Royal Family is in mourning following the death of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, at the age of 92, Buckingham Palace announced with “deep sorrow.”
Married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, she was a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II and one of the longest-serving royals.
She passed away peacefully at Kensington Palace, surrounded by family. Flags at Buckingham Palace have been lowered to half-mast.
The Palace praised her lifelong dedication to charities, her passion for music, and her empathy for young people.
Known affectionately as “Mrs Kent,” she once taught music at a primary school where students were unaware of her royal status.
Born Katharine Worsley in Yorkshire, she joined the royal family in 1961, with Princess Anne as a bridesmaid at her wedding.
In 1994, she became the first royal in over 300 years to convert to Catholicism, calling it a deeply personal decision.
She and Prince Edward had three children, though they suffered the stillbirth of a son, Patrick, in 1977. She later spoke openly about her struggle with depression, a rare admission at the time.
Katharine stepped back from royal duties in 2002, dropping the title “Her Royal Highness” but continued to appear at major royal events over the years.
She is survived by her husband, the Duke of Kent, and their three children.