The funeral of the Duchess of Kent will be attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales today, as confirmed. Katharine, the wife of the Duke of Kent, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on September 4 at her residence, surrounded by her loved ones.
Her funeral, a Catholic requiem mass, marks a historic event as the first for a member of the British monarchy in modern times. The service is scheduled at Westminster Cathedral this afternoon, with the presence of the King, Queen, and now also William and Kate, as confirmed by Kensington Palace.
Upon the Duchess’s passing, William and Kate expressed their condolences in a touching message honoring her dedication to charitable endeavors, especially in the realm of music. The Duchess’s coffin was transferred from Kensington Palace to Westminster Cathedral last evening, where it rested in the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary overnight.
Close family members, including her husband, the Duke of Kent, and their daughter Lady Helen Taylor, were greeted by Father Slawomir Witon, the Dean of Westminster Cathedral, as soldiers from the Royal Dragoon Guards respectfully carried the coffin.
The funeral ceremony will feature a Scottish bagpipe lament, “Sleep, Dearie, Sleep,” reminiscent of the late Queen’s funeral three years ago. The Duchess’s coffin, crafted from English willow, is adorned with the royal standard, symbolizing her status as a prince’s spouse.
A beautiful wreath of British garden flowers, selected by the Duchess’s family, graces the coffin, featuring white roses representing Yorkshire, her birthplace, and yew sprigs from Hovingham Hall gardens, her childhood home, symbolizing eternal life.
The Royal Dragoon Guards have played a pivotal role in her Catholic funeral, including a piper leading the funeral procession and soldiers assisting with the coffin placement into the cathedral.
While the King will attend the Duchess’s Catholic funeral, it is not unprecedented for a monarch to participate in such services. Queen Elizabeth II previously attended the Catholic state funeral of King Baudouin of Belgium in 1993.
The Duchess, born Katharine Worsley, gained recognition for presenting Wimbledon trophies and offering solace to Jana Novotna after her loss in the 1993 ladies’ singles final. She withdrew from royal duties in 2002, opting for a low-key teaching role in Hull under the name Mrs. Kent.
Her public appearances dwindled in recent years, though she graced Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018 and last appeared publicly at an event celebrating her husband’s 89th birthday in October.
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