As a remark of respect, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh was the first royal to be pictured in black mourning clothes after the news of the Duchess of Kent’s passing. The wife of the late Queen’s cousin, the Duke of Kent, died aged 92, on Thursday evening at her Kensington Palace home surrounded by her family.
Duchess Sophie was pictured wearing a long black shirt dress with buttons down the front and a black tie around her waist. Sophie also wore minimal jewellery – a simple pear of earrings and a small necklace. Dubbed as the King’s secret weapon by royal experts, Sophie had flown from the UK to show her presence at key engagements in Canada during her four-day visit.
Prince Edward’s wife had arrived in Canada on Thursday night and the next morning it was announced that the senior most royal, Duchess of Kent, had passed away.
Despite the major setback, Sophie dutifully performed all the task designated for the day. On September 5, Sophie visited Spruce Meadows, which is a multi-purpose sports facility near Calgary, Alberta.
Small businesses, artists and youth met with the Duchess of Edinburgh for the 50th anniversary of the Masters tournament. She later made a trip to the Youth Centres of Calgary’s Ogden location.
The appearance has come after Sophie was seen arriving Fairmont Palliser Hotel, on Thursday night, dressed in a blue floral dress and a white blazer, for the Internationalists Dinner.
The sad news of Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, was posted on the Royal Family’s official website and a formal framed announcement was placed on the railings of Buckingham Palace. The royal residence also lowered the union flag to half-mast as a mark of respect.
Royals are required to travel with a black outfit packed in their luggage to ensure of any preparations or sudden deaths, so the family can immediately appear in appropriate dress.
This rule was established after Queen Elizabeth II traveled to Kenya in 1952 without any black clothing and had to arrange for a black dress to be brought to her before disembarking the plane upon learning of her father’s death.
It’s a tradition that helps the royal family maintain appearances and respect during sad and unforeseen circumstances.
On Friday, Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent. Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.
“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.”
