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The Palace confirmed that Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night, September 4, at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.
The King and Queen and all members of the Royal Family have joined The Duke of Kent, his children and grandchildren in mourning their loss.
The Duchess had a lifelong devotion to charitable organisations with which she was associated.
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… pic.twitter.com/OsCeb3pQ7d
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 5, 2025
Duchess of Kent dies aged 92, Buckingham Palace confirms
Katharine, 92, was known for consoling losing Wimbledon finalists, notably a tearful Jana Novotna in 1993, and presented trophies at the championships for many years.
She preferred to be known as Mrs Kent and dropped her HRH style, retreating from royal life to spend more than a decade teaching music in a state primary school in Hull.
The 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.”
Duchess of Kent has died aged 92
The Union Flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half mast at midday as a mark of respect and a formal framed announcement will be posted on the railings of the royal residence shortly.
Buckingham Palace has shared that the King was informed of the Duchess’s passing while he was at Castle Balmoral in Scotland.
The Duchess will be expected to have a Catholic funeral, attended by senior royals including the King and Queen.
It will be the first Catholic funeral service held for a member of the royal family in modern British history.
The Palace added that details of the Duchess’s funeral will be announced in due course.
