William and Kate pay tribute to Katharine, Duchess of Kent
Prince William and Princess Kate have paid tribute to the Duchess of Kent after her death yesterday, making them the first in the Royal family to release a statement on her passing.
Buckingham Palace yesterday announced the death of Katharine, Duchess of Kent aged 92. She died on Thursday night (Friday AEST) at Kensington Palace, surrounded by family.
The Prince and Princess of Wales released a statement shortly after her passing.
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Katharine pictured with her husband, the Duke of Kent, and Catherine at Wimbledon in July 2021. WireImage
"Our thoughts today are with The Duke of Kent and his family, particularly George, Helen and Nicholas," The statement read.
"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."
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Katharine, Duchess of Kent attends the wedding of Prince Harry to Ms Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England. Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales marries Ms. Meghan Markle in a service at St George's Chapel inside the grounds of Windsor Castle. Among the guests were 2200 members of the public, the royal family and Ms. Mark Getty
Née Katharine Worsley, married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent – cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II – in 1961 .
She "found her calling quietly helping the vulnerable", according to The Telegraph UK.
After years as a working royal, the duchess stepped back from her royal duties in 2002, with the blessing of Elizabeth II, giving up her Her Royal Highness (HRH) title.
After giving up her royal title, she gained permission from the late Queen to take a step back from the royal life, and became a school music teacher.
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Katharine, Duchess of Kent attends a service of celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on June 4, 2013 in London, England. The Queen's Coronation took place on June 2, 1953 after a period of mourning for her father King George VI, following her ascension to the throne on February 6, 1952. The event 60 years ago was Getty
The duchess wanted to teach singing to reflect her lifelong passion for music and found employment at Wansbeck Primary School in Hull.
"I was just known as Mrs Kent," she told the Telegraph UK in August 2022.
She was the oldest member of the royal family following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
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