The Duchess of Kent dies aged 92

She passed away at her home at Kensington Palace

Author: Greg DeanPublished 5th Sep 2025

She was the duchess who preferred to be known as plain Katharine Kent.

The Duchess of Kent retreated from royal life but went on to find meaning and happiness as a music teacher in state schools.

Married to the late Queen's cousin, the Duke of Kent, the duchess spent 13 years teaching in a primary school in Hull, fulfilled by a low-key life away from the royal spotlight.

She was an unassuming charity worker, who displayed compassion and understanding, volunteering for the Samaritans and touring countries as a Unicef ambassador.

At the Wimbledon tennis championships, where she presented trophies for many years, she claimed a place in the affections of many as the warm-hearted royal who consoled losing finalists, notably a tearful Jana Novotna in 1993.

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