The Duchess of Kent has died at the age of 92, Buckingham Palace confirmed. Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley was the wife of the late Duke of Kent, who was Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin. She was best known for her kindness at Wimbledon, especially comforting a tearful Jana Novotna in 1993, and she presented trophies for many years.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “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.”
The union flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half mast as a sign of respect and an official announcement was placed on the railings. The duchess became the oldest member of the royal family after Queen Elizabeth II died and had stayed largely out of the public eye. She made a rare appearance in 2024 in a wheelchair when she joined her husband to hear bagpipers play Happy Birthday.
She chose to be called Mrs Kent and gave up her HRH style in 2002 when she stepped back from duties to teach music at a primary school in Hull. In 1994 she converted to the Roman Catholic faith, the first royal to do so in more than 300 years, and it is expected she will have a Catholic funeral attended by senior royals.
She supported many causes, working with the Samaritans, serving as a Unicef ambassador, and founding the charity Future Talent to help children from low income homes pursue music.
Katharine married Edward, Duke of Kent, in 1961 at York Minster and they had three children, George, Lady Helen, and Lord Nicholas. She faced many personal struggles, losing a child in 1977 and suffering health problems including depression and chronic fatigue like symptoms. Still, her role at Wimbledon and her presence at major royal events made her a familiar figure over the decades, remembered for empathy and her love of music.
