The King, Prince William and the Princess of Wales have attended the funeral of the Duchess of Kent.
The trio were joined by other royals at Westminster Cathedral for the requiem mass – a Catholic funeral – the first to be held for a member of the Royal Family in modern British history.
Pic: PA
Pic: Reuters
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, who became the oldest living member of the Royal Family on the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, died at the age of 92 on 4 September.
The Duchess of Kent at the Wimbledon tennis Championships in 2012. File pic: PA
It emerged earlier that the Queen had withdrawn from attending while she recovers from illness.
Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday that Camilla, 78, is recovering from acute sinusitis, with the withdrawal raising questions over her attendance for US President Donald Trump‘s state visit, which begins at Windsor on Wednesday.
The King and Queen were due to attend the funeral together. Pic: PA
That visit is being hosted by the King, but the Queen is understood to be hopeful she will recover in time to attend all royal elements of Mr Trump’s trip, which includes a lavish state banquet.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “With great regret, Her Majesty the Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s requiem mass for the Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis.”
The Duke of Kent was informed and was said to fully understand the decision, wishing her a speedy recovery.
The Queen had travelled down from Scotland this morning and is currently travelling to Windsor, where she will rest.
“Her thoughts and prayers will be with the Duke of Kent and all the family,” the spokesperson added.
During the service, Pope Leo XIV paid a personal tribute to the Duchess of Kent, praising her “legacy of Christian goodness” in a message delivered during her funeral.
In words read out by Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia, the pontiff highlighted her “dedication to official duties”.
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Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, were seen approaching Westminster Cathedral for the service.
Pic: Reuters
Former Formula 1 world champion Sir Jackie Stewart and actresses Rula Lenska and Dame Maureen Lipman were also among the mourners.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source news.sky.com ’
