Duke of Kent’s 90th birthday to be celebrated by reception hosted by King Charles
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, turned 90 on October 9
The Duke of Kent turned 90 on October 9, and there are plans within the royal family for a big birthday celebration.
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, is the late Queen Elizabeth II’s first cousin. He’s currently the oldest living member of the royal family.
The duke is marking his 90th birthday just weeks after losing his beloved wife, Katharine, Duchess of Kent. The duchess died on September 4 at the age of 92.
The Duke of Kent turned 90 on Thursday! (Credit: Cover Images)
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Duke of Kent to be celebrated in birthday reception
The royal family’s official social media pages marked the Duke of Kent’s 90th birthday on Thursday.
Alongside a photo of the duke and King Charles, a message read: “Wishing The Duke of Kent a very happy birthday – 90 today!
“Later this month, The King will host a birthday reception for The Duke, who was Queen Elizabeth II’s first cousin, at Windsor Castle.”
Fans wished the Duke of Kent a happy birthday, and paid tribute to the royal.
One person said: “Happy Birthday to HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Kent on his 90th birthday. Like his cousin, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the duke has devoted his life to his country as a serving military officer and as a full-time working royal.”
Another wrote: “Happy 90th birthday to the amazing Duke of Kent!!”
Someone else added: “My favourite older royal! He’s done so much for so long!! Dedicated his entire life for service!”
King Charles will host a reception for the Duke of Kent at Windsor Castle later this month (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Is the Duke of Kent a working royal?
The Duke of Kent became a working royal after retiring from the British Army in 1976. Over the years, he was seen supporting Queen Elizabeth II at various royal events.
He currently divides his time between engagements relating to his own patronages, and supporting King Charles and the royal family.
Later this month, The King will host a birthday reception for The Duke, who was Queen Elizabeth II’s first cousin, at Windsor Castle.
Earlier this week, he stepped out for his first royal engagement since his wife’s funeral.
According to the Court Circular, the official record of royal engagements, Prince Edward attended a concert at Wigmore Hall as patron of the venue.
The Duchess of Kent died in September (Credit: Photo by Shutterstock)
Duchess of Kent’s death
The duke lost his wife, Katharine, on September 4. Buckingham Palace announced that she died “peacefully” at Kensington Palace, where the couple lived, surrounded by her family.
Her funeral service took place on September 16. The service was a Requiem Mass as the Duchess of Kent was Catholic. She became the first member of the royal family to convert to Catholicism for more than 300 years, doing so in 1994.
