We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the Duchess of Kent, Katharine Worsley, at the age of 92. She passed away at her residence in Kensington Palace on September 4, 2022. The Duchess who was married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II leaves an extraordinary legacy. From her faith, she focused on music education, and despite making an important conversion to Catholicism.
Katharine Worsley joined Prince Edward in 1961 and their companionship lasted long and faithful across the rest of Queen’s reign. In a radical break with royal precedent, in 2002 the Duchess gave up her HRH title. So she decided to retire from that busy life, and she liked to be known as Mrs. Kent. This decision was a product of her hope to return to a more private life.
When the Duchess announced her withdrawal from her royal duties earlier this year. Alongside her creative practice, she spent more than ten years teaching music at a Hull state primary school, putting the educational above the commercial. Her devotion to educating others was a favorite and most admired capacity of her glorious lives.
In 1994, the Duchess was front page news. She was the first member of the British royal family to convert to Catholicism in more than 300 years. Her personal transformation was an audible affirmation of her faith and long-time walk with her beliefs.
The Duchess of Kent has made a special request for her funeral service to be held at Westminster Cathedral. This cathedral also happens to be the largest Roman Catholic church in England and Wales. The requiem mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster. The service will include contributions from Bishop James Curry, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and the Dean of Windsor.
“The Requiem Mass will be conducted by The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, with additional participation by Bishop James Curry, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, and the Dean of Windsor. Following the Mass, the coffin will be taken by hearse to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor.” – Buckingham Palace
The Duchess is survived by her three children: George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews, aged 63, Lady Helen Taylor, 61, and Lord Nicholas Windsor, 55. Her family includes several grandchildren: Edward Windsor, Lord Downpatrick, Lady Marina Windsor, Lady Amelia Windsor, and Lady Helen’s children Columbus, Cassius, Eloise, and Estella.
