The Duchess of Kent’s Historic Funeral Revealed: A Break from Royal Tradition Details about the Duchess of Kent’s historic funeral have been unveiled. The funeral of Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, is set to be a significant departure from royal tradition. The service, scheduled for September 16, will be the first royal funeral of its kind in modern history. The funeral will take place at Westminster Cathedral in London.
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The official announcement came from Buckingham Palace, revealing that the Catholic service will be held at Westminster Cathedral with a start time of 2 p.m. local time. The Duchess’ coffin will rest in the private chapel at Kensington Palace before being transferred to Westminster Cathedral. The coffin will arrive at the cathedral on September 15, where the Rite of Reception and Vespers will be conducted the day before the Requiem Mass.
Members of the royal family, including King Charles, Queen Camilla, and The Duke of Kent, will be in attendance at the funeral. After the service, the coffin will be taken to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore in Windsor. Flags at official Royal Residences will fly at half-mast on the day of the Funeral as a mark of respect.
Katharine’s funeral will be the first royal funeral held at Westminster Cathedral since its construction in 1903 and will also be the first royal Catholic funeral in modern history. It was the Duchess’s wish to have her funeral at the cathedral and the plans have received the backing of the royal family. The guest list includes members of the royal family, the Duchess’s family, friends, and representatives from her charities and regimental affiliations. The service will be private and will not be broadcast.
Katharine, who passed away at the age of 92 on September 4, was married to Prince Edward, Queen Elizabeth’s cousin. Together, they had three children: George, Earl of St. Andrews, Lady Helen Windsor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor. Katharine made history when she converted to Catholicism in 1994, becoming the first member of the British royal family to join the Roman Catholic Church since 1685. Despite this significant moment, she was allowed to retain her titles and succession place, thanks to the approval of Queen Elizabeth.
In 1996, Katharine stepped back from public life to focus on teaching music. Six years later, she further distanced herself from royal duties by relinquishing the use of “Her Royal Highness” title, though she continued to attend family events. Katharine’s funeral will be a poignant moment to honour her life and legacy within the royal family. Her contributions and the uniqueness of her funeral mark a significant shift from traditional royal customs and underline the respect and reverence she held in both her personal and public life.