The royal family is mourning the loss of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, whose death was announced on Friday. As the wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent—first
The royal family is mourning the loss of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, whose death was announced on Friday. As the wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent—first cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II—the Duchess held a quiet yet meaningful place within the royal circle.
Known for her compassion, humility, and dedication to charitable causes, she was a beloved figure, attending the weddings of both Prince William and Prince Harry and maintaining close ties to their family during their formative years.
While she had withdrawn from public royal duties in recent decades, Katharine remained a significant presence behind the scenes. Her passing raises the poignant question: Could her funeral bring the estranged princes, William and Harry, together once more?
A Historic Farewell: The Duchess of Kent’s Catholic Funeral
The Duchess of Kent’s funeral is expected to reflect her personal faith and wishes. Following her 1994 conversion to Roman Catholicism—a bold and historic move at the time—she became the first senior royal to convert in over 300 years. Her service will therefore be the first Catholic funeral for a member of the modern British royal family.
Details of the ceremony are yet to be confirmed, but senior royals including King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to attend. The mourning period will extend through the day of the funeral, during which royal family members and household staff will wear black in her honor.
Will William and Harry Attend?
Prince William and Princess Kate are highly likely to attend the funeral. The couple issued a heartfelt statement following the Duchess’s death, saying:
“Our thoughts today are with The Duke of Kent and his family, particularly George, Helen and Nicholas. The Duchess worked tirelessly to help others and supported many causes, including through her love of music. She will be a much-missed member of the family.”
While Prince Harry is no longer a working royal, it is expected that he may return to pay his respects—especially given his personal connection to the Duchess. She was a close friend and mentor to his mother, Princess Diana, and played a supportive role in the lives of both princes during their youth.
In a past interview with The Telegraph, the Duchess spoke tenderly of her bond with Diana: “I was part-mentor, part-older sister to Diana… We kept in touch through thick and thin. That is what friendship means. We shared a lot of laughter. She was great fun. I miss her.”
She also expressed deep empathy for William and Harry in the wake of their mother’s death: “[Her death] was very hard on William and Harry. I don’t think people realise how very tough it is being in the public eye, especially at a time like this. But these boys have a lot of support… They will cope, as other children who lose their mothers cope.”
A Moment for Reflection—And Perhaps Reconnection?
Though Harry and Meghan have largely stepped away from royal life, the Duchess of Kent’s passing could provide a rare moment of reflection—and perhaps, reconciliation. Like Harry, the Duchess once chose to step back from the spotlight, relinquishing her HRH title in favor of a more private life, a move that may resonate with the Duke of Sussex.
While Meghan Markle is not expected to attend—preferring to remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—the funeral could mark a symbolic turning point for Harry and his brother. Whether or not they reunite publicly, the occasion offers an opportunity for shared remembrance of a woman who touched both their lives.
Only time will tell if the solemnity of the moment can bridge the divide between them.
