King Charles was informed of the Duchess’s death while in Balmoral, and implemented a period of royal mourning ahead of the funeral, with members of the Firm donning dark clothes and black armbands while on public duty. Whilst Charles attended the event today, the Queen pulled out unexpectedly ahead of the funeral. Buckingham Palace released a statement detailing, ‘With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis.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.’
Royal tributes poured out following the death of the Duchess of Kent. Described by Prince William and Kate Middleton as a ‘much missed member of the family’, who ‘worked tirelessly to help others and supported many causes, including through her love of music’, the woman born Katherine Worsley passed away at the age of 92 as the oldest member of the Firm.
Sarah, Duchess of York and Prince Andrew, Duke of York
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It follows an intensive period of mourning for the Duchess, which began with a private vigil last night. Katharine’s coffin was taken by hearse from Kensington Palace to Westminster Cathedral on Monday 15th September, where the Rite of Reception and Vespers took place, on the eve of the Requiem Mass. In a sign of the respect the Duchess of Kent earned from the Royal Family, her coffin was transported in the Royal Hearse, designed by Queen Elizabeth II, and draped in the Royal Standard.