Duchess of Kent dead at 92: Glamorous ‘Yorks
The Duchess of Kent has passed away at the age of 92. Buckingham Palace announced her death today, confirming she died on Thursday night at Kensington Palace surrounded by family.
She was one of the most glamorous royals of her generation, admired for her independent spirit and lifelong dedication to charity work. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, she became the oldest living member of the Royal Family.
The Duchess was a beloved and elegant presence at Wimbledon for many years. She captured the nation’s heart in 1993 when she comforted a tearful Jana Novotna after the tennis player lost the Wimbledon final.
She is survived by her husband, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and their three children. A death notice was placed on the gates of Buckingham Palace, where the Union Flag was flown at half-mast.
In a historic personal decision, she converted to Catholicism in 1992. It is expected she will have a Catholic funeral in accordance with her wishes.
The Royal Family’s official statement expressed “deep sorrow” and highlighted her “life-long devotion” to charity, her passion for music, and her empathy for young people.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute, saying the Duchess brought “compassion, dignity and a human touch to everything she did.” The Prince and Princess of Wales also shared their condolences, noting she will be “a much missed member of the family.”
