Official Announcement: The Passing of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent
Buckingham Palace
It is with profound sorrow that His Majesty The King announces the passing of his beloved aunt, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent. Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at her residence in Wren House, Kensington Palace, surrounded by her immediate family. She was 93 years old.
The Duchess of Kent was a figure of immense grace, known for her quiet devotion to duty and her deep compassion for the vulnerable. For over six decades, she served the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with a steadfast commitment that earned her the enduring affection of the public. Her work with numerous charities, particularly those focused on music education, mental health, and hospice care, left an indelible mark on countless lives.
The Funeral Arrangements
Following the wishes of the late Duchess and in consultation with the Royal Family, the funeral will be a formal ceremonial event reflecting her lifelong service.
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Lying-in-State: To allow the public to pay their respects, the Duchess’s coffin will lie in state at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, for two days prior to the funeral. Further details regarding public access and security protocols will be released by the Lord Chamberlain’s Office in due course.
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The Funeral Service: The funeral service will take place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The service will be attended by members of the Royal Family, foreign dignitaries, and representatives from the charities of which the Duchess was Patron.
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Committal and Interment: Following the service, a private committal ceremony will be held at the Royal Burial Ground, Frogmore. This final stage of the proceedings will be strictly private, attended only by the Duke of Kent and the immediate family.
National Mourning and Tributes
A period of Royal Mourning will be observed starting today and will continue until seven days after the funeral. During this time, flags on all Royal residences and government buildings will be flown at half-mast.
In lieu of floral tributes, the family has requested that donations be made to the National Music Trust or St. Christopher’s Hospice, two organizations that remained close to the Duchess’s heart throughout her life.
An online book of condolence has been opened on the official Royal website for those who wish to leave a personal message. A physical book of condolence will also be available at the entrance to St James’s Palace for the duration of the mourning period.
A Legacy of Kindness
The Duchess of Kent will be remembered not only for her royal title but for her profound humility. Her decision to step back from public life in later years to focus on teaching music in primary schools was a testament to her belief that service takes many forms.
His Majesty The King and the Royal Family are deeply touched by the outpouring of support and messages of sympathy received from across the globe. They ask for privacy during this time of personal grief as they prepare to bid farewell to a cherished member of the family.
