London: The British monarchy witnessed a profound moment of history and faith on Tuesday as members of the royal family gathered at Westminster Cathedral for the Catholic funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent. The service marked the first Catholic requiem for a senior royal since the 17th century, underscoring both personal conviction and an evolving relationship between the monarchy and the Catholic Church.
The Duchess of Kent, who passed away on September 4 at the age of 92, had chosen Westminster Cathedral the mother church of Catholics in England and Wales as the place where her life of service and faith would be commemorated. Born Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley, she was raised in the Anglican tradition but converted to Catholicism in 1994, describing the step as a “long-pondered personal decision” rooted in her search for clarity and solace.
Her marriage to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, placed her at the heart of the royal household. Yet her legacy, her family emphasized, lies not merely in her royal title but in her compassion and commitment. She was remembered for her “lifelong devotion to the organizations she served, her deep love of music, and her unfailing empathy for young people.”
The requiem Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster. The Dean of Windsor joined the liturgy alongside cathedral clergy, while the duchess’ burial rites were conducted with the auxiliary bishop of Westminster. The solemn ceremony drew hundreds of mourners, including senior royals.
King Charles III, Prince William, and Princess Kate attended the service, symbolizing continuity between the Crown and the duchess’ chosen faith. Queen Camilla was absent due to illness. King Charles’ attendance was itself historic: never before had a reigning British monarch formally joined a Catholic funeral on U.K. soil since the Reformation.
A message of condolence from Pope Leo XIV was read aloud by Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia, the papal nuncio to Great Britain. The Pope expressed sorrow at the duchess’ passing and extended prayers for the Duke of Kent and their children and grandchildren.
“Entrusting her noble soul to the mercy of our heavenly Father,” Pope Leo wrote, “I join all those giving thanks for her Christian witness, seen in her years of official service, charitable patronage, and tireless concern for the vulnerable.” He concluded with an apostolic blessing, offering “consolation and peace in the risen Lord” to all who mourn.
The duchess’ funeral has already been described as a milestone in Britain’s religious and royal history not only for its rarity but for the way it reflects personal conviction, reconciliation between traditions, and the quiet dignity of a royal who chose to walk her own spiritual path.