The British royal family is in mourning, following the death of their oldest member, the Duchess of Kent, Katharine. The Duchess passed away on Thursday at the age of 92, within the walls of her long-time residence, Kensington Palace. Buckingham Palace made the official announcement on Friday.
The Duchess, Katharine, became a member of the royal family in the early 1960s when she married Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, who was a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Together, they had three children. A regular presence at royal family functions, including appearances on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, the Duchess retired from her duties as a working royal in 2002.
The Duchess was a notable figure each summer during the Wimbledon tennis championships, where she would be seen watching matches from the Royal Box. Reports indicate that she was also often seen on the court after championship matches, handing over trophies to the winners and consoling the runners-up. Her contributions to these ceremonies were a valued part of the Wimbledon tradition.
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The death of the Duchess of Kent marks a significant moment for the British royal family. While the Duchess had retired from official duties, her presence within the family and at major events was a consistent element of royal life. Her passing will undoubtedly be felt by many, both within and outside the royal family.