Buckingham Palace announces the death of the Duchess of Kent at the age of 92

The Prince and Princess of Wales have paid a personal tribute

Buckingham Palace has announced the death of Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, at the age of 92.

A statement was released on Friday (September 5) to confirm the sad news. The duchess was married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.

The duchess became the oldest living member of the royal family after the queen’s death in September 2022.

Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, shared a personal message on social media following the news.

The duchess was married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent (Credit: Photo by Alan Davidson/Shutterstock)

Buckingham Palace announces death of Duchess of Kent

The statement read on Friday: “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.”
Tributes have poured in from royal fans (Credit: Photo by Tim Rooke/Shutterstock)

William and Kate’s statement

Tributes have poured in, remembering the beloved duchess.

Prince William and his wife Kate released a personal statement following the news.

It read: “Our thoughts today are with the Duke of Kent and his family, particularly [their children] George, Helen and Nicholas.

“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.”

A message from The Prince and Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/0VPYJr8j4Z

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 5, 2025

One person said: “Very sad to hear this. Sending love to all those who have loved her.”

Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace.

In addition, another royal fan wrote: “She was a beautiful, refined lady. RIP duchess. Sincere condolences to you all.”

I wish to send my sincere condolences to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family on the death of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent.

My thoughts are with her husband, His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, her family and all those whose lives she touched. pic.twitter.com/ZDZH8ddt8t

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 5, 2025

Keir Starmer’s tribute

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute to the Duchess of Kent.

Alongside a lengthy tribute, he said: “I wish to send my sincere condolences to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family on the death of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent. My thoughts are with her husband, His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, her family and all those whose lives she touched.”
The Duchess of Kent was last seen in October 2024 (Credit: Photo by Jordan Pettitt/WPA Pool/Shutterstock)

The duchess’ last public appearance

In October 2024, the Duchess of Kent was seen using a wheelchair on the doorsteps of Wren House, in the grounds of Kensington Palace. She and Prince Edward watched a performance by three pipers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

The tribute marked the Duke of Kent’s 89th birthday.

Duchess of Kent and husband Duke of Kent’s marriage

The Duke and Duchess of Kent were married for 64 years. They first met when he was stationed at Catterick near Richmond in 1956.

The couple’s engagement was announced in March 1961. They then tied the knot at York Minister on June 8 of that year. It was the first royal marriage in that location in 633 years.

The Duke and Duchess of Kent have three children, George, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen Taylor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor.

They also have 10 grandchildren.
The Duchess of Kent with Jana Novotna at Wimbledon in the 1990s (Credit: Photo by Pascal Pavani/Shutterstock)

Was the Duchess of Kent a working royal?

The Duchess of Kent became a working member of the royal family after her marriage.

She was known for her appearances at Wimbledon, where she presented the Ladies’ Singles Trophy for many years.

The duchess focused on her passion for music as well as her charity work to help children and young people. Meanwhile, for several years, the duchess taught music at a primary school in Hull.

In 2002, she stepped aside from being a working royal to focus on her private and charitable work.