The Duchess of Kent has died at the age of 92, Buckingham Palace has announced today.
One of the most glamorous royals of her generation, she was also admired for her determination to forge her own path and life-long dedication to charity work.
The Duchess – who became the oldest living member of the Royal Family when Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022 – was also an elegant fixture at Wimbledon.
She captured the hearts of the nation when she consoled Czech star Jana Novotna as she broke down in tears on Centre Court after losing to reigning champion Steffi Graf in 1993.
The Duchess died at Kensington Palace on Thursday night, surrounded by members of her family. She is survived by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and their three children.
Her sad passing was announced on social media by the Royal Family’s official Twitter account.
This afternoon a death notice was placed on the gates of Buckingham Palace, where the Union Flag was flown at half mast. In 1992 she famously converted to Catholicism, and is expected to have a Catholic funeral in a week’s time in accordance with her wishes.
‘It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent’, the Royal Family’s midday statement said.
‘Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.
‘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’.
In a statement signed ‘W & C’, the Prince and Princess of Wales said: ‘Our thoughts today are with The Duke of Kent and his family, particularly George, Helen and Nicholas.
‘The Duchess worked tirelessly to help others and supported many causes, including through her love of music. She will be a much missed member of the family’.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the Duchess of Kent brought ‘compassion, dignity and a human touch to everything she did’, as he paid tribute following her death.
