The Duchess of Kent, Katharine, has died at the age of 92. Buckingham Palace has announced that her funeral will take place on 16 September at Westminster Cathedral.
This will be a historic occasion, as it marks the first royal Catholic funeral in modern UK history.
The Requiem Mass will be led by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. The Anglican Dean of Windsor will also take part in the service before accompanying the coffin to Frogmore in Windsor, where she will be laid to rest.
Private Service for Family
The Duchess’s funeral will be a private family service. King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend, along with other senior royals. It is not yet confirmed if Prince Harry, who will be in the UK for charity work, will remain for the ceremony.
Before the funeral, her coffin will rest overnight in the Lady Chapel at Westminster Cathedral. In Catholic tradition, there will be a service to receive the coffin into the cathedral, attended by her close family.
A Life of Kindness and Service
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, was known for her compassion, humility, and support for music and education. She once worked as a primary school music teacher in Hull, where pupils knew her simply as “Mrs Kent.”
She was also a familiar face at Wimbledon, presenting trophies and comforting players. In 1993, she was remembered for consoling a tearful Jana Novotna after her loss.
Tributes
The Prince and Princess of Wales said she would be “much missed” and praised her dedication to helping others. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described her as a woman of “compassion and dignity.” Tennis great Martina Navratilova added that she had a positive impact on “millions of people around the globe.”
The Duchess leaves behind her husband, the Duke of Kent, two sons, and a daughter.
Her funeral will be a moment of reflection on a royal life lived with quiet grace and service to others.
