Duchess of Kent, First Royal to Convert to Catholicism Since 1685, Dies at 92

The Duchess of Kent, known for her long-standing association with the Wimbledon tennis tournament and as the first British royal to convert to Catholicism since 1685, has passed away at the age of 92. Born Katharine Worsley, she married Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, in 1961. Buckingham Palace confirmed that she died peacefully at her home in Kensington Palace on Thursday evening, surrounded by family.

In an official statement, the royal family expressed their condolences, stating, “The King and Queen 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.”

Historical Significance and Personal Legacy

The Duchess made headlines in 1994 when she converted to Catholicism, defying an early 18th century law that prohibited members of the monarchy from becoming Catholic. This marked the first such conversion since King Charles II embraced the faith on his deathbed in 1685. Following changes to this law, the duchess is expected to have a Catholic funeral, which will be the first of its kind for a royal family member in modern British history. Attendees are likely to include senior royals such as King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Throughout her life, the Duchess of Kent was particularly remembered for her close ties to Wimbledon. Since 1969, she participated in presenting trophies at the prestigious tennis tournament. A poignant moment came in 1993 when she comforted Jana Novotna, who was in tears after losing the singles final. The duchess reassured her, saying, “I know you will win it one day, don’t worry,” a prediction that came true when Novotna won the title five years later.

Commitment to Music and Community Service

Beyond her royal duties, the duchess was passionate about music and education. She supported various musical charities and taught music part-time at a school in Hull, northeast England. After visiting Wansbeck Primary School in 1996, she volunteered to give weekly music lessons and worked with the school’s choir for 13 years. “I love those children, I loved being there and I love East Hull. I wouldn’t have stayed there for 13 years if I hadn’t,” she stated.

Her charitable endeavors included volunteering for the Samaritans and serving as a Unicef ambassador. In 2004, she founded the charity Future Talent, which aims to provide children from low-income backgrounds with opportunities in music by helping to purchase instruments and fund lessons. She also taught at a school attended by children from Grenfell Tower, and attended memorial services to commemorate the tragic fire that claimed 72 lives in 2017.

In recognition of her passing, the union flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast at midday on Friday. The duchess, who became the oldest member of the royal family after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, made a rare public appearance last October. She was seen alongside her husband, watching bagpipers play “Happy Birthday” to mark his 89th birthday, wrapped in a blue shawl.

The Duchess of Kent’s life was marked by a commitment to service, compassion, and a dedication to the arts, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate within both royal circles and the broader community.