Tributes have begun to pour in following the sad news of Katharine, the Duchess of Kent’s death. Buckingham Palace confirmed today that the Duchess, 92, passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.
The Palace statement read: “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.”
Since the news broke, tributes have come flooding in for the Duchess, who quit royal duties in 2002 to carry out her passion for teaching music.
The duchess even founded her own foundation called Future Talent in 2004, which gives young musicians from low income backgrounds the opportunities to pursue their passions.
Since hearing about the duchess’ death, Future Talent have taken to social media to pay tribute.
The charity wrote: “Everyone at Future Talent is deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Katharine – our Co-Founder and the visionary behind our charity.”
Nicholas Robinson OBE, Co-Founder of Future Talent said: “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.”
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the UK, has also led tributes today. He wrote: “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. For many years, she was one of our 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.
“Later, when it was discovered she had been giving her time and working anonymously as a music teacher at a school in Hull, it seemed typical of her unassuming nature. In so many ways, the Duchess sought to help. My thoughts are with her husband, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, her family and all those whose lives she touched.”
Another person to have paid tribute is ex royal butler Grant Harrold, who served King Charles – when he was the Prince of Wales – between 2004 and 2011. Mr Harrold wrote on Instagram: “So sorry to hear of the passing of HRH The Duchess of Kent. She was a truly lovely lady and will be a great loss to The Royal Family. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad time.”
Tributes are also pouring in worldwide from royal fans.