Queen Camilla pulls out of Duchess of Kent’s funeral as Buckingham Palace issues statement
The funeral service will take place on Tuesday afternoon
Queen Camilla has pulled out of attending the Duchess of Kent’s funeral service today, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, died on September 4 at the age of 92. She was the wife of Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.
Her Catholic funeral service takes place on Tuesday (September 16), with senior members of the royal family in attendance.
However, Queen Camilla, 78, won’t be at the service at Westminster Cathedral due to illness.
Queen Camilla won’t attend the Duchess of Kent’s funeral on Tuesday (Credit: Cover Images)
Why Queen Camilla isn’t attending the Duchess of Kent’s funeral
Buckingham Palace issued a statement on Tuesday. It read: “With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis.
“Her thoughts and prayers will be with The Duke of Kent and all the family.”
King Charles, 76, is still expected to attend as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The Duchess of Kent died on September 4 (Credit: Photo by Tim Rooke/Shutterstock)
Duchess of Kent’s funeral details
The funeral will take place at Westminster Cathedral on September 16 at 2pm (BST).
The duchess, who had a passion for music and was even a music teacher at a school in Hull for many years, was Catholic and there will be a Requiem Mass for her funeral.
Her thoughts and prayers will be with The Duke of Kent and all the family
Her coffin rested in the private chapel at Kensington Palace before being taken to the cathedral on Monday (September 15), where the Rite of Reception and Vespers took place. It remained in the Lady Chapel overnight.
Members of the duchess’ family attended the vigil service on Monday evening, including her beloved husband, the Duke of Kent.
Following the funeral service on Tuesday, the coffin will be taken to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor. Flags will be flown at half-mast at royal residences on the day of the funeral.
A vigil for the duchess took place on Monday (Credit: Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/EPA/Shutterstock)
On September 5, Buckingham Palace issued a statement to confirm the Duchess of Kent’s death.
It read: “It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.
“Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.”
It added: “The King and Queen and all Members of The Royal Family join The Duke of Kent, his children and grandchildren in mourning their loss and remembering fondly The Duchess’s life-long devotion to all the organisations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people.”
Prince William and Kate’s tribute
Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, also paid tribute. They wrote on social media: “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. W & C.”
