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Following the death of the Duchess of Ken<\/a>t earlier this week, many of her former patronages sent messages of condolence and thanks to the royal who\u2019d helped them\u2014in many cases over decades\u2014in their mission to support young people, the music community, sports and health initiatives.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve compiled these condolences below.<\/p>\n Future Talent<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Her co-founder, Nicholas Robinson, said in a statement: \u201cWe send our heartfelt condolences to Katharine\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Read Future Talent\u2019s statement in full here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Choir Schools\u2019 Association<\/strong><\/p>\n The Duchess of Kent supported the Choir Schools\u2019 Association since 1990. It\u2019s an organisation that supports 44 choir schools associated with cathedrals, churches and college chapels.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Choir Schools\u2019 Association is very sad to learn of the death of Katharine, HRH The Duchess of Kent. Her Royal Highness was the Association\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Choir Schools\u2019 Association is very fortunate to have enjoyed Her Royal Highness\u2019 support over so many years.\u201d<\/p>\n Read their full statement here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Derwen College<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n In a statement on the College\u2019s website, which you can read here<\/a>, Meryl Green, their Principal and CEO said: \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The College paid special tribute to the late Duchess\u2019s last visit in 1994, writing that \u201cStudents 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\u2019s work.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Epilepsy Action<\/strong><\/p>\n The Duchess of Kent had supported Epilepsy Action for 33 years prior to her death, and the charity\u2019s Chair, Jane Ripley, said in a statement on their website: \u201cWe were very saddened to learn of the death of the Duchess of Kent who has been a patron of Epilepsy Action since 1992.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAs 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.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Read their full statement here<\/a>.<\/p>\n HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust<\/strong><\/p>\n The Duchess of Kent supported the HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust in their mission of helping young people take pilgrimage trips to Lourdes, France.<\/p>\n The charity wrote: \u201cKatharine knew from personal experience that Lourdes is a very special place, and that HCPT\u2019s pilgrimages to Lourdes are truly life changing for so many children and adults\u2026 Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Read their full statement here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hull & East Riding Breast Friends<\/strong><\/p>\n 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: \u201cHull & 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Learn more about HER Breast Friends here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Merchant Adventurers of the City of York<\/strong><\/p>\n 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<\/a>: \u201cIt is with great sadness that we hear of the death of Honorary Merchant Adventurer, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.<\/em><\/p>\n It continued: \u201cWith her Yorkshire roots, her support for the Company for the last 47 years was sincere and long lasting.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Rowcroft Hospice<\/p>\n The Rowcroft Hospice in South Devon posted on their Facebook page<\/a>: \u201cWe 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.<\/em><\/p>\n 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n St Leonard\u2019s Hospice<\/strong><\/p>\n The Duchess of Kent was a patron of St. Leonard\u2019s Hospice in York for many years. On their Facebook page<\/a>, they shared a photo of the late royal opening the hospice 40 years ago (which they called a \u201cprivilege<\/em>\u201d) and shared a short statement: \u201cOur thoughts are with her family at this time.<\/p>\n The Lawn Tennis Association & The All England Lawn Tennis Club (Wimbledon)<\/strong><\/p>\n Perhaps the Duchess of Kent\u2019s most iconic and recognisable patronages were tennis-related. She made headlines throughout the \u201880s and \u201890s for the relatable way she connected with players on and off the court.<\/p>\n The Lawn Tennis Association shared: \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Wimbledon shared: \u201cThe compassion The Duchess showed when comforting Jana Novotna after her defeat in the ladies\u2019 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\u2019 singles champion.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOn 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Read Wimbledon\u2019s full statement here<\/a>.<\/p>\n York Civic Trust<\/strong><\/p>\n The Duchess of Kent was involved with the York Civic Trust from 1966 onward. The Trust shared a statement on their website, recalling \u201cHer 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\u2019s affection for her, she was awarded the Freedom of the City in 1988.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThe Trust will remember her with gratitude and respect for her long and loyal patronage.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n