The extended Royal Family has gathered for the Funeral of the late Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral in London on September 16th, after the Coffin was transported from Kensington Palace and before it will be taken to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore in Windsor.
The King and Members of the Royal Family joined the Duke of Kent at the Requiem Mass for late Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral in London before the coffin was taken by hearse to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore in Windsor. This was the first Catholic Funeral of a member of the British Royal Family in centuries and a message from Pope Leo XIV was read out during the Service.
I was saddened to learn of the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent, and I send heartfelt condolences, together with the assurance of my prayerful closeness, to Your Majesty, the Members of the Royal Family, and especially to her husband, The Duke of Kent, and their children and grandchildren at this time of sorrow.
Entrusting her noble soul to the mercy of our Heavenly Father, I readily associate myself with all those offering thanksgiving to Almighty God for The Duchess’s legacy of Christian goodness, seen in her many years of dedication to official duties, patronage of charities, and devoted care for vulnerable people in society. To all who mourn her loss, in the sure hope of the Resurrection, I willingly impart my apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in the Risen Lord.
The coffin is made from English willow, and bears a wreath of British garden flowers, including white roses, symbolising her Yorkshire birthplace.
It also includes sprays of rosemary for remembrance, oak leaves for strength, seasonal September flowers symbolising farewell, achillea representing healing and strength, jasmine for amiability. Also present are sprigs of yew from the gardens of her family home of Hovingham Hall, representing eternal life.
Music during the ceremony will include a piper playing the Lament, ‘Sleep, Dearie, Sleep’, which was also played during Queen Elizabeth Il’s funeral in 2022.
The Choir and Organist of Westminster Cathedral will provide choral music, composed by Maurice Duruflé, including ‘Ave verum corpus’, by Mozart, which was chosen by the Duchess as her favourite piece, during her episode of Desert Island Discs in December 1990.
The Prince and Princess of Wales (wearing the Queen’s Japanese Pearl Choker)
The Princess Royal and Sir Tim
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent with the Earl and Countess of St Andrews, Lady Helen Taylor (wearing the Duchess’ Diamond Flower Brooch), and Lord Nicholas Windsor with their children
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York
Lady Marina and Lady Amelia Windsor
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent
David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon
Lady Sarah Chatto (wearing Princess Margaret’s Diamond Star Earrings)
Extended members of the Royal Family included the Earl and Countess of Ulster, Lord and Lady Frederik Windsor, James and Julia Ogilvy, Flora and Timothy Vesterberg
Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma
The Baronet’s daughter who married the late Queen’s first cousin and was a working royal for over 40 years before retiring from royal duties and becoming a music teacher, the late Duchess of Kent passed away earlier this month at the age of 92.
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent was joined by his children, their spouses, grandchildren and siblings as the coffin of the late Duchess of Kent was transported in the Royal Hearse from Kensington Palace to Westminster Cathedral, where the Rite of Reception and Vespers took place, on the eve of the Requiem Mass. The coffin will rest overnight in the Lady Chapel.
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Lady Helen Taylor
The Earl and Countess of St Andrews, Lady Helen Taylor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor with their children
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent
Lord and Lady Frederik Windsor and James and Marina Ogilvy
Super post as always but just one correction: the name of the current Earl of Snowden is David, not Antony Armstrong-Jones (Antony was his father).
Thanks. Totally missed that mistake