Duchess of Kent's coffin leaves Kensington Palace for private vigil ahead of her funeral
The Duchess of Kent died on September 4 at the age of 92
The Duchess of Kent’s coffin has left Kensington Palace for a private vigil ahead of her funeral tomorrow.
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, died “peacefully” at Kensington Palace on September 4 at the age of 92.
Her funeral service will take place on September 16. On Monday, her coffin was transported in the Royal Hearse from Kensington Palace to Westminster Cathedral. A private vigil will take place on Monday, before a Catholic funeral service is held on Tuesday.
The duchess’ husband, the Duke of Kent, was seen arriving for the vigil this evening.
Duchess of Kent’s coffin seen ahead of her funeral
On Monday (September 15), the Duchess of Kent’s coffin was seen for the first time.
The Royal Hearse, which was used when Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022, made the short journey from Kensington Palace to Westminster Cathedral.
Members of the duchess’ family were in attendance for 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 was seen arriving with his daughter, Lady Helen Taylor. Lady Helen was seen holding the duke’s arm as he walked with a stick.
Details on Duchess of Kent funeral
The funeral of the Duchess of Kent will take place at Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday, September 16 at 2pm (BST).
The duchess was Catholic and there will be a Requiem Mass for her funeral.
Her coffin rested in the private chapel at Kensington Palace before being taken to the cathedral on Monday, where the Rite of Reception and Vespers takes place. It will remain in the Lady Chapel overnight.
On Tuesday afternoon, King Charles, Queen Camila, and other senior royals will attend the Requiem Mass alongside the duchess’ family.
Following the service, the coffin will be taken to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor. Flags will be flown at half-mast at royal residences on the day of the funeral.
Royal tributes
The duchess’ death was announced by Buckingham Palace on September 5.
A statement read: “It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.
“Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.”
It added: “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.”
Following the news, the Prince and Princess of Wales paid tribute to the duchess in a heartfelt statement signed “W & C”.
“The duchess worked tirelessly to help others and supported many causes, including through her love of music,” they wrote. “She will be a much missed member of the family.”
The Duchess of Kent was married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. She is survived by him and their three children: George, Helen, and Nicholas.
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