Royal family’s oldest member, Katharine, Duchess of Kent, dead at 92
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, the oldest living member of the British royal family, has died at the age of 92. Her passing was announced by Buckingham Palace on 5 September 2025. She died peacefully on 4 September at Kensington Palace, surrounded by family.
Early life and marriage
Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley was born on 22 February 1933, at Hovingham Hall, North Riding of Yorkshire. She was the only daughter of Sir William Worsley, 4th Baronet, and Joyce Brunner.
In 1961, she married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. The marriage brought her into the royal family and she undertook various royal duties over the years.
Public life, passions & causes
Over her lifetime the Duchess of Kent became known for several things:
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Music & teaching: Katharine was a lifelong musician, playing instruments such as piano, organ, and violin. She taught music in state primary schools, including in Hull, where she was known simply as “Mrs Kent”.
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Charity & youth causes: She co-founded the charity Future Talent in 2004 to support musically gifted children from disadvantaged backgrounds. She was also involved in several other organisations benefitting youth. People.com+2AP News+2
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Wimbledon presence: She was a familiar face at Wimbledon, presenting trophies over many years and showing compassion in public moments — most famously consoling Jana Novotná in 1993 when she was distraught after losing the final.
A breaking of tradition: her conversion to Catholicism
One of the most historically significant events in her life was her conversion to Roman Catholicism in 1994. She became the first senior member of the British royal family to do so since the 17th century. Her decision represented a personal commitment, and under the rules at that time, it had complex implications under the Act of Settlement, although she did not relinquish her husband’s position or importance.
Later years, retirement, and legacy
Katharine gradually stepped back from royal duties. By 2002 she had largely withdrawn from public royal life, focusing instead on her private work, teaching, music, and charitable efforts.
She is survived by her husband, the Duke of Kent, their three children (George, Earl of St Andrews; Lady Helen Taylor; and Lord Nicholas Windsor), and multiple grandchildren.
Significance
Katharine’s death marks the end of an era. After the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, Katharine became the senior-most member of the royal family by age. Her life was one of combining duty with personal passion: music, faith, teaching, compassion. For many, she was one of the more quietly beloved royals—engaging in hands-on service rather than seeking the limelight.
Her conversion to Catholicism, her work with children and music, and her larger presence at Wimbledon are all part of what she will be remembered for. Her death will be followed by official mourning, tributes, and a funeral that is expected to be of historic significance in several respects.
