The granddaughter of the Duchess of Kent, Lady Marina Windsor, has shared previously unseen photos of the royal figure along with a heartfelt tribute. The announcement of the Duchess’s passing at the age of 92 was made by Buckingham Palace earlier this week. Lady Marina, aged 32 and the child of George, Earl of St Andrews, and Sylvana, Countess of St Andrews, resided with her grandparents, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, at Wren House in Kensington Palace.
In a message posted on Instagram, Lady Marina expressed her deep sorrow, saying, “Rest in peace my amazing and beloved Amama. We will always miss and love you dearly. I am grateful to everyone who has sent such kind and touching messages. Sending love to all.” She further shared on her Instagram Stories, “My amazing amama. I love you always and forever, more than words can express. Thank you for everything – the profound love, special friendship, laughter, and embraces. I will deeply miss you, and you will always remain in my heart.”
On Friday, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Her Royal Highness passed away in the presence of her family on Thursday evening at her residence, Wren House in Kensington Palace. The official statement attached to the palace gates announced, “With great sorrow, Buckingham Palace announces the passing of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent. She peacefully departed last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family. The King and Queen, along with all members of the Royal Family, join The Duke of Kent, his children, and grandchildren in mourning their loss and cherishing The Duchess’s lifelong dedication to the organizations she was involved with, her love for music, and her compassion for young people.”
While no additional details regarding the Duchess’s passing were disclosed, it is known that she had been unwell for some time. The Union Flag at the Palace was lowered to half-mast as a sign of respect, marking the beginning of a period of mourning for the royal family. Katharine, the wife of Queen Elizabeth’s cousin, Prince Edward, was last seen in public in October, accompanied by her husband in a wheelchair.
Following the death of Her Majesty in September 2022, Katharine was the oldest living member of the Royal Family and has now been succeeded by her husband, the Duke of Kent. In recent years, she had reduced her public appearances and did not attend Queen Elizabeth’s funeral or King Charles’s Coronation in May 2023.
Today, Buckingham Palace announced that the funeral of the Duchess of Kent will be held at Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday. The ceremony is expected to be attended by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other senior members of the House of Windsor, as well as the Duchess’s close friends and family. Non-working royal member Prince Andrew and Prince Harry, who is currently in the UK for a week, may also be present. This will be the first royal Catholic funeral in modern history and the first royal funeral to take place at Westminster Cathedral since its establishment in 1903. The funeral will reflect the duchess’s special military connections and will commence at 2 pm.
Preceding the funeral, officiated by the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, the Duchess’s coffin will be placed in the private chapel at Kensington Palace. It will then be transported by hearse to Westminster Cathedral on Monday, where the Rite of Reception and Vespers will be conducted before resting overnight in the Lady Chapel. Following the funeral service, the coffin will be taken by hearse to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor.