By Eniola Amadu
Buckingham Palace has announced with “deep sorrow” the death of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, aged 92.
The Duchess, who passed away peacefully yesterday night at Kensington Palace surrounded by family, was the oldest member of the Royal Family.
She will be remembered for her warmth, humility and enduring love of music.
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A statement from the palace confirmed that flags across royal residences, including Buckingham Palace, have been lowered to half-mast.
King Charles, who was informed of her passing while at Balmoral, has ordered a period of royal mourning until the funeral. Members of the Royal Family are expected to wear dark clothing, while military personnel on public duty will don black armbands.
The Duchess of Kent was married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, first cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II. She became a familiar and much-loved figure at Wimbledon, presenting trophies to champions and comforting defeated players.
Her most memorable moment came in 1993 when she consoled a tearful Jana Novotna after her heartbreaking loss in the women’s singles final.
In a personal tribute, the King and Queen said the Royal Family would remember her “lifelong devotion to charitable organisations, her passion for music and her empathy for young people.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales added that she would be “much missed as a member of the family” who had “worked tirelessly to help others and supported many causes, including through her love of music.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described her as a royal who carried “compassion, dignity and a human touch in everything she did.”
Beyond her royal duties, the Duchess quietly taught music at a primary school in Hull, where pupils knew her simply as “Mrs Kent,” unaware of her royal status.
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She also served as patron of several music charities and believed passionately in the power of music to transform young lives.
Although the date of her funeral has not yet been announced, it is expected to be a Catholic service, in line with her faith.
