Buckingham Palace announced on Friday with “deep sorrow” the passing of Katharine, the Duchess of Kent. At the age of 92, she passed away quietly at Kensington Palace with her family by her side, making her the oldest member of the British Royal Family.
Who was Katharine, the Duchess of Kent?
Born Katharine Worsley in 1933, she was a member of an aristocratic, land-owning family from Yorkshire. Her life changed dramatically when she married Prince Edward, The Duke of Kent, in a grand ceremony at York Minster in 1961. Katharine was instantly positioned at the center of the royal family because Prince Edward is the late Queen Elizabeth II’s first cousin.
The wedding was a major national event, attended by the most senior royals, including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and a young Princess Anne, who served as a bridesmaid. This marriage transformed her from a Yorkshire aristocrat into Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.
What was her role and how was she perceived?
For decades, the Duchess was a familiar and distinctive figure at royal engagements. However, she was far more than just a presence; she was widely regarded as one of the most compassionate and genuine members of the family. The Palace’s official statement highlighted her “life-long devotion to the organizations she supported, her love for music, and her compassion for young people.”
She was able to forge her own distinct character, in contrast to certain royals, and gained recognition for her lifelong enthusiasm for music education and her strong dedication to charitable work.
Why is she so memorable to the public?
The Duchess’s most memorable public persona for many people comes from the Wimbledon tennis tournaments. She was a devoted tennis fan who frequently visited the Royal Box and gained notoriety for her kindness and compassion toward players.
Her most iconic moment came in 1993 when she famously comforted a tearful Jana Novotná on her shoulder after the player lost a heartbreaking women’s singles final. In a story of redemption, the Duchess had the honor of presenting the winning trophy to Novotná when she finally triumphed at Wimbledon four years later.
What was her net worth?
Like most royals, her exact net worth was never officially disclosed. However, it is known that she came from significant wealth before her marriage. Various reports estimated her personal fortune to be between $1 million and $10 million, stemming from her family’s landowning history.
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How did she live her later years?
In her final years, the Duchess chose a path of quiet dignity. She gradually stepped back from the public eye and even made the personal decision to stop using her “HRH” title. She focused her energy on her private passions: her family, her charitable endeavors, and her love for music.
She is survived by her husband, The Duke of Kent (89), and their three children: George, Earl of St. Andrews, Lady Helen Taylor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor.
