London, Sep 5 (PTI) — Britain's royal family has entered a period of mourning following the announcement of the passing of the Duchess of Kent, a cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
She was 92 years old.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that Katherine Kent, who was married to the Duke of Kent—King George V's grandson—died peacefully at Kensington Palace in London on Thursday night.
The Duchess was especially renowned for her poise and grace while presenting trophies at the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
“It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent,” the official statement from Buckingham Palace began.
“Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family. The King [Charles] and Queen [Camilla] 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,” it added.
Born Katharine Worsley, she came from an aristocratic land-owning family in Yorkshire and joined the royal family in 1961 when she married Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent. Their wedding was attended by Queen Elizabeth II and the then Prince Charles.
A passionate musician, the Duchess often spoke about the profound emotional impact music had on her, both as a listener and performer.
The Duchess, who retired from royal duties in 2002, is survived by her 89-year-old husband and their two sons and a daughter.
King Charles III has declared a period of Royal Mourning to continue until the day of the funeral, with members of the royal family and staff to wear black, while those in uniform will don black armbands as a traditional mark of respect.
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