Buckingham Palace has announced the death of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, at the age of 92.
In a statement released on Friday (September 5), the palace confirmed that the Duchess, wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, passed away peacefully at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family. Prince Edward, a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, had been married to the Duchess for 64 years.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022, Katharine became the oldest living member of the royal family.
Palace Statement
A message from The Prince and Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/0VPYJr8j4Z
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 5, 2025
“It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent,” the statement read.
“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.”
William and Kate’s Personal Message
Tributes poured in from across the country and within the royal family. Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, shared a heartfelt note on social media:
“Our thoughts today are with the Duke of Kent and his family, particularly George, Helen and Nicholas. The Duchess worked tirelessly to help others and supported many causes, including through her love of music. She will be a much missed member of the family. W & C.”
Royal fans also expressed sorrow, one writing: “She was a beautiful, refined lady. RIP Duchess. Sincere condolences to you all.”
Prime Minister’s Tribute
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer added his condolences in a statement:
“I wish to send my sincere condolences to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family on the death of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent. My thoughts are with her husband, His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, her family and all those whose lives she touched.”
Last Public Appearance
The Duchess was last seen in October 2024 at Wren House, Kensington Palace, where she appeared in a wheelchair alongside her husband to mark his 89th birthday. The couple watched a performance by pipers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
A Lifetime of Service
Katharine Worsley married Prince Edward on June 8, 1961, in York Minster, the first royal wedding at the cathedral in 633 years. The couple went on to have three children—George, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen Taylor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor—and ten grandchildren.
As Duchess of Kent, she became a prominent working royal, remembered for her appearances at Wimbledon, where she presented trophies to champions for many years. Away from the spotlight, she quietly pursued her passion for music, even teaching at a primary school in Hull.
In 2002, she stepped back from official royal duties to focus on her private life and charitable commitments, particularly supporting children and young people through education and the arts.