he Duke of Kent attended his wife, the Duchess of Kent’s funeral on Tuesday alongside members of the royal family.
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, died on September 4 at the age of 92. She and the Duke of Kent, 89, had married in 1961.
On Tuesday, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, was supported by their daughter, Lady Helen Taylor, as he arrived at Westminster Cathedral.
The Duke and Duchess of Kent’s two sons, the Earl of St Andrews and Lord Nicholas Windsor, and their grandchildren were also in attendance.
Duke of Kent arrives at funeral of Duchess of KentThe Duke of Kent arrived at his wife’s funeral with his daughter (Credit: Victoria Jones/Shutterstock)
Duke of Kent attends Duchess of Kent’s funeral
The duchess’ funeral began at 2pm (BST). It was a Requiem Mass, as the duchess was Catholic. It was the first Catholic funeral for a member of the royal family in recent history, and the first ever royal funeral at Westminster Cathedral since its construction in 1903.
King Charles, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and other royals were in attendance. Prince Andrew was also present, alongside his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
Unfortunately, Queen Camilla was forced to pull out at the last minute due to health issues. Buckingham Palace said she is currently recovering from acute sinusitis.
Following the mass, the duchess’ coffin will be taken to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor.
Duke of Kent climbing the stairs at funeral
The Duke of Kent attended his wife’s funeral today (Credit: Shutterstock)
‘A true gentleman’
There was an outpouring of love for the Duke of Kent, a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, following his arrival at the service. Many royal fans took to social media to praise his strength.
“Here is the model of loyalty, duty, service, love,” one person wrote on X. “No matter his age or condition, grit and determination.”
Another person commented: “Duke of Kent, such a proud man. After 65 years married what a life they had together. RIP Duchess of Kent.”
He is the model of loyalty, duty, service, love.
A third person agreed: “He’s such a wonderful man, a true gentleman. Older, more frail, but loyal as ever.”
Another admitted: “My heart breaks for the Duke of Kent.”
Another added: “God bless the Duke of Kent,” followed by a broken heart emoji.
Someone else wrote: “My heart breaks for the Duke of Kent,” followed by a string of broken heart emojis.
Prior to the Duchess of Kent’s Requiem Mass, a private vigil took place yesterday (September 15). The duchess’ coffin was carried in a royal hearse, designed by the late Queen Elizabeth II, to Westminster Cathedral.
Members of the duchess’ family were in attendance at the vigil, including the Duke of Kent, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and the Duke of Kent’s sister, Princess Alexandra.
The Duke of Kent arrived at the service arm-in-arm with his daughter.