Oldest living Royal, Duchess of Kent dies at 92

Sept. 5 (UPI) — Katharine, the Duchess of Kent has died, Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement Friday. She was 92 years old.

Born Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley, the Duchess of Kent “passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family,” the Royal Family statement said.

“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.”

The Duchess of Kent was married to Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent.

At 92, she was the oldest living member of the Royal Family, a title which now falls to her husband. The 89-year-old Duke of Kent is a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Charles and Queen Camilla were informed of the duchess’s passing on Thursday. The couple is currently in Scotland.

Flags are being lowered to half mast at royal residences, including Buckingham Palace, the Royal Family said in the statement.

The Royal Family has not yet confirmed a date for a funeral.

Prince Harry is due to be in Britain next week for charity events, while U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to be there as well for a state visit.

Condolences came pouring in Friday, after the news became official.

“I wish to send my sincere condolences to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family on the death of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement on X.

“For many years, she was one of the hardest working royals – supporting our late Queen Elizabeth II in her official duties at home and abroad.

“She brought compassion, dignity and a human touch to everything she did. Many will remember that moment at the Wimbledon Ladies Final, when she touchingly comforted the runner-up, Jana Novotna.”