Westminster Cathedral will be the venue for the funeral of the Duchess of Kent, as announced by Buckingham Palace. King Charles, aged 78, and Queen Camilla, also 78, will be present at the private service, along with other members of the royal family, the duchess’s close relatives, friends, and representatives from her charities and regimental associations.
Expected mourners include non-working royals such as Prince Andrew, and it is possible that Prince Harry, who is scheduled for public engagements in the UK next week, may also attend. This occasion marks the first modern royal Catholic funeral and the initial royal funeral at Westminster Cathedral since its establishment in 1903. The ceremony, starting at 2pm, will honor the duchess’s military connections.
Prior to the funeral, officiated by The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, the duchess’s coffin will be at rest in the private chapel at Kensington Palace. Following this, the coffin will be transported to Westminster Cathedral on Monday for the Rite of Reception and Vespers, then placed overnight in the Lady Chapel. Subsequently, the coffin will be conveyed to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor.
In 1994, the duchess, known as plain Katharine Kent, made history by becoming the first royal to convert to Catholicism since the Act of Settlement of 1701. In 2002, she stepped back from her royal duties and HRH title after seeking permission from the late Queen due to personal hardships.
The duchess, born Katharine Worsley, was renowned for her musical talents and compassionate gestures, including consoling tennis player Jana Navotna at Wimbledon in 1993. She was married to the Duke of Kent, 89, and they have three children together. Despite leading somewhat separate lives, they remained married until her peaceful passing at the age of 92 at Kensington Palace.
Details regarding the cause of her death were not disclosed; however, it was known that she had been ailing for a period.