LONDON (AP) – The Duchess of Kent, who once broke royal decorum by embracing a Wimbledon runner-up and later transitioned from royal duties to teach music in public schools, has sadly passed away at the age of 92.
Born Catherine Lucy Mary Worthley, she was married to Prince Edward, a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Her death occurred last Thursday at her home in Kensington Palace.
The Duchess was known for her role in awarding trophies at Wimbledon and for offering comfort to the runner-ups. A memorable moment was in 1993 when she consoled Jana Novotna after her loss to Steffi Graf.
For over ten years, the Duchess, often called Mrs. Kent, stepped away from royal life to teach music in public schools in Hull, located in northeastern England. As a pianist, organist, and singer, she established the charity Future Talent, aiming to eliminate barriers for young musicians and provide them with instruments.
Notably, she was the first member of the royal family to convert to Catholicism in three centuries and volunteered with the Samaritans, a charity focused on suicide prevention.
In a statement, King Charles III and other members of the royal family expressed their sorrow over her passing and fondly remembered her life-long commitment to various causes, her love for music, and her kindness towards young people.
In tribute to the Duchess, the flag was flown at half-mast at Buckingham Palace.
She was born on February 22, 1933, as the only daughter of Colonel William Worthley and Lady Worsley, at Hovingham Hall near York.
In 1961, she married Edward, a grandson of King George V, in a grand ceremony.
She is survived by Edward and their three children: George, Earl of St. Andrews, Helen Windsor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor.
