The Duchess of Kent’s patronages remember their staunch supporter

Following the death of the Duchess of Kent earlier this week, many of her former patronages sent messages of condolence and thanks to the royal who’d helped them—in many cases over decades—in their mission to support young people, the music community, sports and health initiatives.

We’ve compiled these condolences below.

Future Talent

The Duchess of Kent co-founded Future Talent in 2004 to help young people gain access to musical education and opportunities that they might not otherwise have been able to pursue.

Her co-founder, Nicholas Robinson, said in a statement: “We send our heartfelt condolences to Katharine’s family. She was an inspiration who was loved by so many people over the years and will be greatly missed. We have lost a very special person.”

Read Future Talent’s statement in full here.

Choir Schools’ Association

The Duchess of Kent supported the Choir Schools’ Association since 1990. It’s an organisation that supports 44 choir schools associated with cathedrals, churches and college chapels.

“The Choir Schools’ Association is very sad to learn of the death of Katharine, HRH The Duchess of Kent. Her Royal Highness was the Association’s royal patron for many years, showing a keen interest in the education and welfare of choristers as part of her own passion for and commitment to music and education. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

“The Choir Schools’ Association is very fortunate to have enjoyed Her Royal Highness’ support over so many years.”

Read their full statement here.

Derwen College

The Duchess of Kent became patron of Derwen College in 1969, following in the footsteps of both her parents-in-law, Prince George, Duke of Kent and Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent.

In a statement on the College’s website, which you can read here, Meryl Green, their Principal and CEO said: “The Derwen College community is saddened by the passing of HRH The Duchess of Kent. Her longstanding support meant a great deal to us and helped raise the profile of specialist education for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. We are proud to have had her as our Patron.”

The College paid special tribute to the late Duchess’s last visit in 1994, writing that “Students and staff turned out to welcome her, with a motorbike escort leading her car onto campus. Dressed in an elegant cream suit, she took time to speak with everyone, leaving a lasting impression with her warmth, grace, and genuine interest in the College’s work.”

Epilepsy Action

The Duchess of Kent had supported Epilepsy Action for 33 years prior to her death, and the charity’s Chair, Jane Ripley, said in a statement on their website: “We were very saddened to learn of the death of the Duchess of Kent who has been a patron of Epilepsy Action since 1992.

“As we celebrate our 75th anniversary and look back on the incredible achievements of our valued patrons, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for all the support the Duchess gave to the charity over the past 33 years.

“We particularly extend our thanks for the legacy she left in building a fairer world for people with epilepsy and our thoughts are with her family at this very sad time.”

Read their full statement here.

HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust

The Duchess of Kent supported the HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust in their mission of helping young people take pilgrimage trips to Lourdes, France.

The charity wrote: “Katharine knew from personal experience that Lourdes is a very special place, and that HCPT’s pilgrimages to Lourdes are truly life changing for so many children and adults… Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.”

Read their full statement here.

Hull & East Riding Breast Friends

The Duchess of Kent was a patron of this breast cancer charity and they shared a picture of their late patron with a short message: “Hull & East Riding Breast Friends are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our Patron, HRH The Duchess of Kent. Thoughts and prayers are sent to King Charles III and the Royal Family.”

Learn more about HER Breast Friends here.

Merchant Adventurers of the City of York

Having grown up and married in York, the Duchess of Kent had a long association with the city. The Merchant Adventurers shared on their Facebook page: “It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of Honorary Merchant Adventurer, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.

It continued: “With her Yorkshire roots, her support for the Company for the last 47 years was sincere and long lasting.”

Rowcroft Hospice

The Rowcroft Hospice in South Devon posted on their Facebook page: “We are deeply saddened at the death of Katherine, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent. Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time.

While our hearts are heavy today, they are also filled with gratitude for her support. The Duchess of Kent was a former patron of Rowcroft and visited the hospice during the 1980s.”

St Leonard’s Hospice

The Duchess of Kent was a patron of St. Leonard’s Hospice in York for many years. On their Facebook page, they shared a photo of the late royal opening the hospice 40 years ago (which they called a “privilege”) and shared a short statement: “Our thoughts are with her family at this time.

The Lawn Tennis Association & The All England Lawn Tennis Club (Wimbledon)

Perhaps the Duchess of Kent’s most iconic and recognisable patronages were tennis-related. She made headlines throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s for the relatable way she connected with players on and off the court.

The Lawn Tennis Association shared: “We are very sorry to hear of the death of HRH The Duchess of Kent who was a great supporter of tennis. We send our condolences to the Royal Family.”

Wimbledon shared: “The compassion The Duchess showed when comforting Jana Novotna after her defeat in the ladies’ singles final in 1993 is one of the most memorable moments of The Championships. Happily, The Duchess was able to present Jana with the Venus Rosewater Dish five years later, when she became the ladies’ singles champion.

“On behalf of the All England Club, I offer my sincere condolences to His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent; his children and grandchildren; and members of The Royal Family.”

Read Wimbledon’s full statement here.

York Civic Trust

The Duchess of Kent was involved with the York Civic Trust from 1966 onward. The Trust shared a statement on their website, recalling “Her connection to the city was deeply personal, having been born in Yorkshire and married in York Minster. A lifelong advocate for young people, education, and music, she also made a lasting contribution to the region through her dedicated service as a teacher in Hull. As a mark of the region’s affection for her, she was awarded the Freedom of the City in 1988.

“The Trust will remember her with gratitude and respect for her long and loyal patronage.”

Read their full statement here.  

Yorkshire County Cricket Club

Another long association from the Duchess of Kent for the county of her birth. The Cricket Club shared on their official website: “The Yorkshire County Cricket Club is saddened to learn of the passing of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent…

“Everyone at the Club would like to extend their condolences to His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent and all of her family.”

Read their full statement here.