Katharine, the Duchess of Kent has been laid to rest, with members of the royal family all attending her funeral on September 16, 2025.
The day prior to the Duchess’ funeral, her coffin was transported from Kensington Palace to Westminster Cathedral. Following close behind was her husband Prince Edward and their daughter, Lady Helen Taylor.
For Katharine’s funeral, the Duke of Kent walked with his three children: Lady Helen Taylor, George Windsor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor.
King Charles was among those mourning the Duchess’ passing.
He did not attend with Queen Camilla, who sent her “deep regrets” at having to miss the service to recover from acute sinusitis. Her absence was confirmed ahead of the funeral.
“Her thoughts and prayers will be with the Duke of Kent and all the family,” a Buckingham Palace statement read.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were also in attendance. Also joining the private series were Princess Anne and her husband Sir Tim Laurence, Prince Andrew with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
The hearts of royal watchers broke when Katharine passed on September 4, aged 92. Many of these fans gathered outside Westminster, watching the friends and family of the Duchess arrive.
The coffin was draped in the royal standard, with white roses in honour of her Yorkshire home.
Katharine converted to Catholicism in 1994, making her funeral the first royal Catholic funeral in modern history. It’s also the first royal funeral at the Westminster Cathedral since it was built in 1903.
Pope Leo XIV, shared a message during her service.
“I was saddened to learn of the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent, and I send heartfelt condolences, together with the assurance of my prayerful closeness, to Your Majesty, the Members of the Royal Family, and especially to her husband, The Duke of Kent, and their children and grandchildren at this time of sorrow.
“Entrusting her noble soul to the mercy of our Heavenly Father, I readily associate myself with all those offering thanksgiving to Almighty God for The Duchess’s legacy of Christian goodness, seen in her many years of dedication to official duties, patronage of charities, and devoted care for vulnerable people in society.
“To all who mourn her loss, in the sure hope of the Resurrection, I willingly impart my apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in the Risen Lord,” he concluded.
Prior to her passing, the Duchess was the oldest member of the royal family. She joined the royal family in 1961 when she married Prince Edward, who is the first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II.
