The Duchess was married to the Duke of Kent, a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
WASHINGTON — The Duchess of Kent, who was married to the cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has died, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday. She was 92.
Buckingham Palace said that the Duchess of Kent “passed away peacefully” and was surrounded by family.
“It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent,” a statement shared on the Royal Family’s social media account read. “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.”
The flag was lowered to half-staff at Buckingham Palace at noon to pay respect to the duchess.
The Duchess of Kent was the oldest member of the Royal Family, according to the BBC.
Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley was born on Feb. 22, 1933, as the only daughter to aristocrat Col. Sir William Worsley, a baronet, and Lady Worsley of Hovingham Hall, near York.
She joined the Royal Family when she married Edward, King George V’s grandson, in a lavish 1961 ceremony.
Throughout the years, the Duchess, Katharine, was closely tied to the Wimbledon championships. She presented the Ladies’ Singles Trophy for several years.
Perhaps her most memorable Wimbledon moment was when she consoled Czech star Jana Novotna after her defeat in the 1993 final.
The duchess who preferred to be known as Mrs. Kent, was also a passionate musician and music teacher, dedicating a number of years to teaching music at a primary school in Hull, England. The pianist, organist and singer founded the charity Future Talent to break down barriers for young musicians and provide them with instruments.
She stepped aside as a working Member of the Royal Family in 2002 to focus on her private and charitable work in music, according to Buckingham Palace.
In 1994, she converted to Catholicism and became the first royal to do so in over 300 years.
She leaves Edward and three children, George, Earl of St. Andrews, Lady Helen Windsor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
