Katharine, Duchess of Kent, dies at 92, leaving a legacy of compassion and service

The oldest member of the Royal family has died.

Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, has passed away at the age of 92 at Kensington Palace, on Thursday, September 4, surrounded by her family.

Buckingham Palace announced her death, and the Union Flag has been lowered to half-mast at the palace to honour her memory.

According to online reports, a formal announcement is also displayed on the palace railings and a seven day mourning period is being observed. 

The Royal Family took to Instagram to post: "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."

Katharine married Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, in a grand ceremony at York Minster in 1961, which was the first royal wedding held there in over 600 years.

The couple have three children, George, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen Windsor and Lord Nicholas Windsor.

Katherine's life was also marked by personal tragedy, including a miscarriage in 1975 and the stillbirth of her son, Patrick, in 1977.

She later said, "It had the most devastating effect on me. I had no idea how devastating such a thing could be to any woman. It has made me extremely understanding of others who suffer a stillbirth."

In 1992, Katharine converted to Catholicism, becoming the first senior royal to do so since the Act of Settlement 1701.

Speaking to the "BBC" at the time, she said: "I do love guidelines and the Catholic Church offers you guidelines. I have always wanted that in my life. I like to know what’s expected of me. I like being told: You shall go to church on Sunday, and if you don’t, you’re in for it!"

For many years, the Duchess was also seen as the "royal queen of Wimbledon".

One of her most memorable moments came in 1993 when she comforted tennis player Jana Novotna after her loss in the Ladies’ Final against Steffi Graf.

Katharine hugged Novotna and said, "I know you will win it one day, don’t worry."

That moment became a significant one in the history of the tournament, and she went on to present trophies at Wimbledon for over three decades. 

Aside from her royal duties, Katharine was dedication to music education.

After stepping back from royal life, she taught music for 13 years at a primary school in Hull and took on the name "Mrs Kent", so that not many people would know who she really was.

She said: "Teaching (the children) is very satisfying. It’s a privilege. To me, it’s one of the most exciting jobs anyone can do."

Katharine also served as president of the Royal Northern College of Music and co-founded the charity Future Talent, supporting musically gifted children from less fortunate backgrounds.

Though she stepped back from public duties later in life, Katharine remained part of family moments, attending weddings and celebrations such as the jubilees of Queen Elizabeth II. However, she did not attend Queen Elizabeth's funeral in 2022 or King Charles III's coronation in 2023.

Her final public appearance was in October 2024 in a photograph marking Prince Edward’s 89th birthday.

Katharine leaves behind her husband, the Duke of Kent, their three children and several grandchildren.

Funeral details will be announced by the Kensington Palace in due course.