The Duchess of Kent died peacefully, aged 92. She must have been a little more at peace, then, surrounded by her family at Kensington Palace on the 5th of September. Her passing is an incredible loss for the British crown. She remained a beloved figure and went on to make history as the first royal to adopt Catholicism in more than 300 years.
She loved her busy family home The Duchess of Kent with some of her clan. An extraordinary 64 years as the bride of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. Together, they raised three children: George, Earl of St Andrews; Lady Helen Taylor; and Lord Nicholas Windsor. The pair were celebrating the delight of their ten grandchildren, proving to add extra strength to their legacy within the royal bloodline.
Her funeral was held at Westminster Cathedral, realizing her lifelong dream for the venue. The service of requiem mass attracted the attendance of members of the royal family, most notably King Charles himself, who bestowed their respects upon the departed. Perhaps even more important a resource, though, the Duke of Kent had during this low moment of the early days a supportive grandson in Lord Downpatrick.
In a remarkable show of international solidarity, Pope Leo XIV sent condolences to the royal family. His message, which was read during the service, spoke of the Duchess’s indelible mark on everyone she met.
“I was saddened to learn of the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent, and I send heartfelt condolences, together with the assurance of my prayerful closeness, to Your Majesty, the Members of the Royal Family, and especially to her husband, The Duke of Kent, and their children and grandchildren at this time of sorrow.” – Pope Leo XIV
The Duchess was a first cousin once removed to the late Queen Elizabeth II. Her ties to the royal family were both far-reaching and deeply personal. In 1994, she herself converted to Catholicism, breaking ground as she did so. This audacious step declared her personal convictions in a family that was mostly tied to the Church of England.
Following her death, then-Prince William and Catherine shared a touching tribute. In her absence, they shared how her life as a daughter and mother changed their family forever. They stated that she will be a dearly missed part of this extended family. Her importance goes beyond her royal status. She’s a beloved community matriarch.
The Duchess might be dead, but her legacy is very much alive. Family or royal community, both keep her spirit very much alive. The Duke of Kent was at King Charles’ Christmas lunch on December 16, which showed that despite their mutual grief, life goes on.
