The Duchess of Kent made her passing at home, surrounded by family and friends, on September 4th, a peaceful one. Her family celebrated her in turn with a small funeral service that preceded her public memorial by one day. 1992 saw the Duchess make royal history. She is the sister of the Duke of Kent and Prince Michael of Kent, she was the first member of the British royal family to convert to Catholicism in over 300 years. Her funeral service represents a historic milestone in its own right. It will be the first Catholic funeral for a member of the royal family in modern British history.
The Duchess’s coffin journey from Kensington Palace to Westminster Cathedral on Monday was rich with royal custom. Their ceremonial moment at the funeral rites was a critical step. The church officially received the Duchess’s body prior to the start of the service. Family members came from near and far to honor the life of a cherished matriarch. Royal highnesses King Charles and Queen Camilla were among the public who attended Tuesday’s requiem mass.
The Duchess of Kent was fondly remembered, not just by her family, but by her community and her former students. After resigning from her royal duties in 2002, she spent much of her later years focusing on education. With the late Queen’s blessing, she was able to rediscover her first love—her desire to teach. Her students and teaching compatriots alike knew her fondly as “Mrs. Kent.” This nickname grew from the admiration and respect she earned over her remarkable career.
Her family, which includes her daughter Lady Helen Taylor and sons George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews, and Lord Nicholas Windsor, gathered to support one another during this difficult time. The Duchess was a proud and loving grandmother of ten grandchildren, including Lady Amelia Windsor and Lady Marina Windsor. Their presence on her funeral site unexpectedly helped represent all of those strong familial connections that made up her life.
The intimate floral arrangement on the Duchess’s coffin featured exquisite British garden flowers. Amongst them were white roses which reminded me of her beloved Yorkshire home. This emotive touch revealed her heartfelt bond with her hometown. Having been born into a family that would eventually have her assume some of the most important roles in the royal household, she bore that mantle with fierce pride.
Princess Michael of Kent, a cousin of the Duchess, looked pensive in a black coat and wide-brimmed hat as she was spotted arriving to the service. She honored her uncle’s life with grace and honor. Lady Amelia Windsor cut a glum-looking figure as she made final preparations to bury her beloved grandma. Her face reflected the overwhelming sadness that blanketed the event.
Also the Duchess of Kent held many royal titles before and after her death. Most commonly, though, she was Deputy Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Dragoon Guards. Her service to the Canadian Crown and the advancement of education will be sorely missed by all who knew her, especially those who called her a friend.
As part of the funeral ceremony, a piper from the Royal Dragoon Guards played a poignant farewell tune:
“Sleep, Dearie, Sleep.” – Piper from the Royal Dragoon Guards
This feeling struck a chord with everyone in the room, bringing back to life Fanta’s decades of love and devotion.
