‘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.’
Kate Middleton and Prince William were among the first to share a public tribute to the late royal, posting a short message to their Instagram page signed ‘W and C’. The couple wrote, ‘Our thoughts today are with The Duke of Kent and his family, particularly 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.’
Meanwhile her goddaughter India Hicks also shared a message honouring Katharine, who was her godmother, saying she would ‘never forget a birthday or Christmas’ and was always ‘thoughtful and graceful.’ Posting on Instagram, she wrote, ‘My grandfather’s funeral was held on my 11th Birthday. It took place on 5th September 1979, following his assassination by the IRA. Before the service, on the steps of Westminster Abbey, Princess Grace approached my mother. Seeing me, she caught sight of a gold cross I was wearing and, bending down commented on how lovely it was. “Thank you. It is brand-new today, from my godmother.” I replied childishly.
Members of the royal family at the unveiling of a statue of Earl Mountbatten of Burma in London. Left to right, front row; Princess Michael of Kent, Prince Michael of Kent, Duchess of Kent, Duke of Kent and the Duchess of Gloucester. Second row; Princess Margarita of Yugoslavia, John Ambler, Princess Marharetha of Sweden, Margrave of Baden, Margravine of Baden. Third Row; Marquess of Milford haven, Edwina Hicks, India Hicks, Ashley Hicks, Timothy Knatchbull
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