Who’s who in the Duchess of Kent’s dynasty? From a party-hopping DJ to an international art dealer
By Sarah Kennelly
Given the Duchess’ tireless work to launch and grow Future Talent, it is particularly poignant that her royal relatives have made their support for one of her most-loved initiatives known following her death. In October, her nephew and his wife, Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor, attended a concert held by the charity at 11 Downing Street. In a moving testament to the Duchess of Kent’s legacy, the couple listened to a range of performances, from Chopin’s nocturnes to renditions on the cello and oboe.
The couple, who married in 2009, have a particularly personal connection with the Duchess and her love of music. Speaking to Tatler, Lady Frederick Windsor (often known by her maiden name, Sophie Winkleman) revealed how the Duchess of Kent played a heartwarming role in her wedding day, helping to choose the service’s music. ‘She introduced me to Rutter and suggested ‘Soave sia il vento’ from Così Fan Tutte, which is beautiful in the mouths of the little Hampton Court choirboys,’ she recalled.
Frederick and Sophie Windsor are not the only royals to have pledged their support to Future Talent over the last few weeks. It was recently announced that Kate Middleton will be hosting her fifth ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol concert at Westminster Abbey on 5 December – an evening during which she will pay tribute to the Duchess of Kent with music performed by young people supported by Future Talent.
‘In a world that can often feel fragmented and disconnected, love is the force that reconnects us all – spanning generations, communities, cultures, and faiths,’ Kensington Palace explained in a statement. ‘As we approach the Christmas season, we are reminded of the power of togetherness. The evening will highlight the transformative power of investing in one another with compassion, presence, and joy.’