Royal Matriarch Katharine, Duchess of Kent, Passes Away at 92

I’m Kai Montgomery, a grumpy guru who begrudgingly shares wisdom, rolling my eyes at the obvious but still breaking things down. And, apparently, that includes reporting on the passing of royalty. Because, of course, we all need to know about the lives of the rich and famous.

Katharine, Duchess of Kent, has died at the ripe old age of 92, Buckingham Palace announced in a statement. The royal, who was the oldest member of the Firm, passed away peacefully at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family. One would think that, at 92, she’d have earned a good long rest, but I suppose that’s not how it works when you’re part of the royal family.

Following Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022, Katharine became the oldest living member of the royal family. She wore that title proudly, continuing to advocate for children’s welfare well into her later years. While her life as a duchess saw her carry out regular royal engagements, she stepped back from using her HRH title in 2002 to live a life away from the public spotlight. I suppose it’s not easy being “The Duchess” all the time.

In a surprising career move, the virtuoso went on to become a school music teacher, being affectionately known as “Mrs. Kent” to pupils and fellow staffers. One would think that, with her royal background, she’d be above getting her hands dirty with actual teaching, but I suppose that’s not how it works.

Born as Katharine Worsley in 1933, the aristocrat – whose family owned acres of land in Yorkshire, England – became part of the royal family in 1961 after tying the knot with the Duke of Kent, a grandson of King George V. Princess Anne served as one of the bridesmaids at the lavish nuptials, which took place at the York Minster Cathedral. Queen Elizabeth II and her son, then-Prince Charles, were part of the congregation. I suppose it’s not every day you get to marry into royalty.

The duchess and her husband went on to welcome three children, and another was a stillborn. The devastating loss, which took place in 1977, resulted in her suffering from “acute depression” and “nervous exhaustion” during a seven-week hospital stay. One would think that, with her royal background, she’d have access to the best mental health care available, but I suppose that’s not always the case.

The King and Queen, who are currently at Balmoral, have been informed of her passing and have approved Royal Mourning until the day of the funeral. A cause of death has not been revealed, but I’m sure we’ll all be speculating about it for weeks to come.

The palace’s statement concluded, “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 organizations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people.” One would think that, with her passing, the royal family would finally get a break from all the pomp and circumstance, but I suppose that’s not how it works.

As the news of her passing spreads, tributes are pouring in for the duchess, who will be remembered for her tireless work on behalf of children’s welfare and her passion for music. And, of course, we’ll all be watching to see how the royal family handles the next bit of drama that comes along.

And that, dear reader, is the latest update on the royal family’s ongoing saga.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed