The Duchess of Kent has died at the age of 92, Buckingham Palace has announced with "deep sorrow".
A statement said she "passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family". Flags on royal residences, including Buckingham Palace, were lowered to half-mast following the announcement.
The Prince and Princess of Wales described her as a "much missed member of the family" who had "worked tirelessly to help others and supported many causes, including through her love of music".
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, was the oldest member of the Royal Family. She was married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
She became a familiar figure at Wimbledon, presenting trophies and consoling defeated players, including a tearful Jana Novotna in 1993.
Katherine, Duchess of Kent (left), who has died aged 92.
King Charles, currently at Balmoral, was informed of her death on Thursday. A period of royal mourning has been declared until her funeral, with members of the Royal Household wearing dark clothing and troops on public duties donning black armbands.
Born Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley on 22 February 1933, she married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a grandson of King George V.
Katharine made her final public appearance on 9 October 2024 to mark her husband’s 89th birthday. She died at Kensington Palace on 4 September 2025, and her death was announced the following day.
Her coffin will remain in the private chapel at Kensington Palace before being moved to Westminster Cathedral’s Lady Chapel on 15 September for the Reception of the Body. A Requiem Mass and funeral service will follow the next day, marking the first royal Catholic funeral in modern British history. She will be buried at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore.