Members of the Royal Family assembled at Westminster Cathedral today to bid farewell to Katharine, Duchess of Kent, who passed away peacefully at home on September 4 at the age of 92.
The only notable absence was Queen Camilla, who was forced to withdraw due to illness.
Queen Camilla’s Absence
The Queen had been scheduled to attend alongside King Charles and other family members but stepped back “with great regret” as she continues to recover from acute sinusitis. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed: “Her thoughts and prayers will be with The Duke of Kent and all the family.”
The Duke of Kent was informed and expressed his full understanding, sending his best wishes to the Queen. Camilla, who traveled from Scotland earlier in the day, is now resting at Windsor but is expected to resume royal duties tomorrow for Donald Trump’s second state visit. She and the King are set to formally welcome Donald and Melania Trump to Windsor Castle and review a military procession.
Family United in Grief
After the Requiem Mass, the Duke of York was seen speaking with King Charles on the cathedral steps, close to the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Princess Royal. Andrew and Charles shared a brief smile as other royals departed in vehicles, signaling a rare moment of warmth amid recent tensions in the family.
A Historic Catholic Funeral
Katharine’s service marked a significant moment in royal history. As a Catholic convert since 1994, she was the first royal in over 300 years to embrace the faith, and her wish was to have her funeral at Westminster Cathedral. This became the first royal funeral held there since the cathedral’s construction in 1903.
