Historic Farewell: King Charles, William, Kate and Prince Andrew Pay Tribute at Duchess of Kent’s Funeral — With One Very Notable Absence That Left Mourners Stunned

The Daily Mail’s Royal Editor, Rebecca English, has shared a series of videos from the Duchess of Kent’s funeral this afternoon.

The footage shows pallbearers carrying Katharine’s coffin out of Westminster Cathedral before she is placed into the hearse.

Members of the Royal Family can be seen watching on as they paid their respects.

Queen Camilla pulled out of attending the Duchess of Kent’s funeral because she is recovering from acute sinusitis.

Sinusitis is a common illness that results from the swelling of the sinuses, usually caused by an infection, according to the NHS website.

It usually clears up on its own within four weeks, although medicines can speed recovery along.

Symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, a reduced sense of smell, a high temperature and in some cases headaches.

Her Majesty travelled down from Scotland this morning and will spend the day resting at Windsor.

The Mail understands the Queen hopes to have recovered sufficiently to attend all elements of the State Visit by Donald Trump and this week’s other engagements.

By Ed Holt, Royal Writer

She will be remembered as something of a trailblazer in the Royal Family, so it is unsurprising that this reputation would start before the Duchess of Kent had walked down the aisle.

The chosen venue for Katharine Worsley – who died aged 92 earlier this month – and Prince Edward’s wedding was York Minster which had not seen a royal wedding since Edward III, aged 15, married Philippa of Hainault there, 633 years previously.

It was also a marriage that faced its fair share of opposition chiefly from the groom’s mother Princess Marina who believed Katharine was ‘a woman of dubious pedigree and not up to the task that faced her.’

Read more:

The Royal Family today paid tribute to the Duchess of Kent, Katharine, who died at the age of 92, with a large gathering at Westminster Cathedral.

Though she spent a large amount of time away from the public limelight – including her now infamous spell as an anonymoys music teacher in Hull – the Duchess was clearly a much-loved figure behind closed doors.

However, Katharine spent much of her life ‘longing’ for a fourth child – and was left with a terrible dilemma when she became pregnant, after already having three children with the Duke of Kent, Prince Edward.

Read more:

The Princess of Wales embraced King Charles with a kiss on the cheek before curstying to him outside Westminster Cathedral.

They shared the warm moment after the Royal Family departed the Requieum Mass this afternoon.

The King spoke with Kate for around 15 seconds before getting into his Bentley.

The Royal Family said their final farewells as the Duchess of Kent’s coffin was carried out of Westminster Cathedral this afternoon.

Led by King Charles, the family gathered to pay their respects to Katharine, who died at 92.

It was the first Royal funeral at the cathedral in the Victoria area of Central London since its construction in 1903.

The Duchess of Kent will be laid to rest at a sacred ground in Windsor alongside 33 other Royal Family members including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

The coffin carrying the body of Katharine, the wife of the late Queen’s cousin the Duke of Kent, was taken by hearse to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore.

The ground has a fascinating history which began when construction started on the adjacent Royal Mausoleum in 1862 following Prince Albert’s death.

Read more:

By Rebecca English, Royal Editor

The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, said the guests were very moved by ‘the quietness and the grandeur combined together’ of the service.

He said: ‘The richness of the music, which was exceptional, but there were periods that were very quiet, very prayerful. And that combination…in a way reflected Lady Katharine’s life. Which was very quiet and very shy in many ways and yet [also combined] tremendous public service without ever seeking attention for herself.

‘She was a down to earth Yorkshire woman who knew how to serve and be part of the Royal Family without ever losing that care for people who were worse off and in difficulties. I think she expressed very well the kindness that is a good fruit of the Christian faith.

‘This was the first royal funeral celebrated in a Catholic Church for probably 300 years and the first time His Majesty has attended Mass in the cathedral.

‘I remember her very clearly being on a pilgrimage to Lourdes. She chose to work in a hospital with the most needy people, but also to have lots of fun as when you go to Lourdes it is a place of great spirit. I remember her sitting there outside having an ice cream, chatting to people going by. That’s where we saw that side of her, as well as the side that really wanted to serve and be helpful.

‘When we come to stand before God we will be judged on our kindness and she was a brimful of kindness and empathy. ‘

He also recalled the memorable Wimbledon final in which she comforted loser Jana Novotna.

‘I think that was a moment that captures her kindness and sensitivity but that was repeated many, many times in private,’ he said.

Outside the service, King Charles led greetings to Cardinal Vincent Nichols with a firm handshake.

The Prince and Princess of Wales appeared to share a warm moment outside Westminster Cathedral.

Clutching the Duchess of Kent’s memorial card, which featured a ‘K’ accompanied by a crown, Willam looked to be listening intently to Kate.

More images have arrived of the Duchess of Kent’s granddchildren leaving Westminster Cathedral after attending today’s Requiem Mass.

The late royal has ten grandchildren in total.

Pictured below is blonde-haired Lady Amelia Windsor, 30, and brunette, Lady Marina Charlotte Windsor, 32.

The Daily Mail’s Royal Editor, Rebecca English, has been sharing the latest happenings at Westminster Cathedral all day.

In a post she shared on X, the Princess Royal and Duchess of Edinburgh can be seen comforting the Kent family.

The Prince of Wales stood tall among the mourning Royal Family after today’s Catholic Requiem Mass funeral for the Duchess of Kent.

Dressed in a dark suit, William looked out as he stood next to Kate on the steps of Westminster Cathedral.

Prince Andrew was seen attempting to chat in the future King’s ear.

While he may have been spotted sticking out his tongue and laughing at jokes with the Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Andrew was also seen with a more stern expression outside Westminster Cathedral.

The Duke of York’s attendance at today’s funeral comes as the Jeffrey Epstein scandal was thrust back into the spotlight by a ‘birthday book’.

The book laid bare hundreds of messages and photos from friends, including Lord Mandelson, on his 50th birthday.

The latest fallout has led to fresh questions over those who had links to Epstein, including Andrew who was accused of sexual abuse by one of the financier’s most prominent victims, Virginia Giuffre.

Prince Andrew was seen grinning after departing the Duchess of Kent’s funeral service.

Standing outside Westminster Cathedral, the Duke of York was seen standing next to his ex-wife Sophie Ferguson (Fergie), the Duchess of Edinburgh, with a big smile on his face.

Andrew and Fergie – who travelled from Royal Lodge in Windsor together – were given notable seats in the front row, just to the right of King Charles, Prince William and Kate.

The former husband and wife looked to be cracking up as they left the service, while other mourners appeared more sombre.

The Prince and Princess of Wales looked on as they departed today’s funeral for the Duchess of Kent.

Spotted behind them was Prince Andrew, who was earlier seen in discussions with King Charles.

The Duke of York – who no longer carries out official duties for the monarch – was also later seen in conversation with William.

King Charles led discussions with the Archbishop of Westminster after today’s Requiem Mass service for the Duchess of Kent.

As the Royal Family left Westminster Cathedral, the King greeted Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who was clad in purple, with a firm handshake – as Prince William waited to do the same.

Today’s service was the first Catholic funeral for a member of the Royal Family in contemporary British times.

The Princess of Wales was seen in conversation with Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh outside Westminster Cathedral this afternoon.

Wearing a necklace once owned by Queen Elizabeth II, Kate looked to be in deep discussion with Prince Edward’s wife – and King Charles’ younger sister – as the royal mourners gathered.

Though the procession has drawn to a close, more images of the Royal Family leaving the funeral are arriving.

Prince Andrew, who was earlier seen in deep discussions with King Charles, looked into the distance with his hands clasped over the memorial card commemorating the Duchess of Kent as he left Westminster Cathedral.

The Duke of York no longer carries out official duties for the monarchy after stepping down six years ago amid the furore over his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Prince Michael of Kent was seen leaving Westminster Cathedral after attending the Duchess of Kent’s funeral.

The royal is Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent’s brother, and Duchess Katharine was his sister-in-law.

Prince Michael was pictured in a wheelchair, holding a walking stick alongside his son, Lord Frederick Windsor.

The Royal Family was filmed leaving Westminster Cathedral after they said goodbye to the Duchess of Kent.

Buckingham Palace said she died peacefully on September 4 at her Kensington Palace home, surrounded by her family.

Prince Andrew was pictured conversing with his brother, King Charles, as they left the Duchess of Kent’s funeral ceremony.

The brothers were seen outside Westminster Cathedral as mourners gathered to watch the eight pallbearers place the coffin in the back of a black hearse.

They appeared to be deep in conversation as they held onto the Requiem Mass programme, which featured a K with a crown on top for Katharine.

Prince Andrew no longer carries out official duties for the monarchy after stepping down six years ago amid the furore over his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The Duchess of Kent’s granddchildren were pictured leaving Westminster Cathedral after attending the Requiem Mass.

The late royal has ten grandchildren in total: Columbus Taylor, 31, Cassius Taylor, 28, Eloise Olivia Katherine Taylor, 22, Estella Taylor, 20, Albert Windsor, 17, Leopold Windsor, 15, Edward Windsor, 36, Lady Marina Charlotte Windsor, 32, Lady Amelia Windsor, 30 and Louis Windsor, 11.

Prince William appeared to share a warm moment with his uncle Prince Andrew as they gathered on the steps outsid Westminster Cathedral.

The Duke of York looked deep in conversation with his nephew before breaking out with a smile as they watched the Duchess of Kent’s coffin carried into the hearse.

The Princess of Wales was seen giving Charles a hug and a kiss on the cheek as the funeral service for the Duchess of Kent came to an end.

Kate was also seen speaking to Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh shortly after the requiem mass service.

Members of the Royal Family gathered outside the Cathedral as they paid a final farewell to the Duchess of Kent as her coffin was carried into the hearse.

We’re getting some more pictures of the funeral procession leaving Westminster Cathedral just moments ago.

The coffin was seen being carried out by eight pallbearers, who later placed it in the back of a black hearse.

The coffin has been draped in the Royal standard flag, which, as mentioned earlier, bears emblems representing the nations of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Read the Mail’s story about the Princess of Wales paying a subtle yet poignant tribute to the late Queen as she attended the Duchess of Kent’s funeral today:

The funeral procession is now leaving Westminster Cathedral during the final moments of the service.

Pallbearers were seen carrying the Duchess of Kent’s coffin to a hearse parked just outside as members of the Royal Family followed behind.

The Duke of Kent was once again seen arm in arm with his daughter Lady Helen Taylor as he lead mourners outside.

Once the funeral service ends, the Duchess of Kent’s coffin will be taken by hearse to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore.

There she will be burried alongside 33 other Royal Family members including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

The Royal Burial Ground has a fascinating history which began when construction started on the adjacent Royal Mausoleum in 1862 following Prince Albert’s death.

Albert’s coffin was first placed in the nearby Royal Vault of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle until being moved to the Mausoleum upon its completion in 1871.

The Daily Mail’s Royal Editor Rebecca English is outside Westminster Cathedral where it appears the funeral service is drawing to a close.

A lone piper was seen departing the building, where a black hearse is waiting to carry the Duchess of Kent’s coffin to her final resting place in Frogmore.

The British Embassy in Lithuania has flown its flags at half mast today to mark the funeral of the Duchess of Kent.

The Royal Standard flag has been pictured flying above Westminster Cathedral where the funeral service for the Duchess of Kent is taking place.

The flag is flown when the King is present in any building, which includes official or private buildings as well as the Royal Palaces.

It features four quadrants each representing three of the four nations in the United Kingdom.

England is represented by three lions, Scotland is represented with a lion rampant and Ireland is represented with a harp.

The front row of the Duchess of Kent’s funeral service was made up of several senior members of the Royal Family.

King Charles was among those sat closest to the altar next to his son Prince William and his wife Kate.

Adjacent to them on the next row over was Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence. They sat alongside Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of York.

Prince Andrew, who no longer carries out official duties for the monarchy after stepping down six years ago amid the furore over his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, exited his car first and joined Sarah as they walked in together earlier today.

Those inside the Cathedral were seen bowing their heads as they took part in the funeral service for the Duchess of Kent, which began just after 2pm.

Members of the Duchess’s immediate family, including her husband Prince Edward, were seen gathered on the front row as members of the church began the proceedings on Tuesday.

It is not only members of the Royal Family who have come out in force to pay their respects to the late Duchess of Kent.

Staff at one office opposite the Cathedral also took a moment to watch the funeral proceedings, as this photograph shows:

This video compilation shows the King joining other members of the Royal Family for the Catholic funeral of the Duchess of Kent today:

We are now getting photos from inside Westminster Cathedral where the funeral service is taking place. They show its stunning interior, which features murals and a huge chandelier in the centre:

Pope Leo XIV sent his ‘heartfelt condolences’ to the Royal Family as they attended the Duchess of Kent’s funeral today.

The statement was read by Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, during the funeral service taking place in Westminster Cathedral.

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, was seen being supported by members of his family as he arrived for the funeral of his late wife just moments ago.

His daughter Lady Helen Taylor walked arm in arm with her father surrounded by other members of the Royal Family as they entered Westminster Cathedral.

As members of the Royal Family were seen arriving at the funeral just minutes ago, they were each greeted by Father Slawomir Witon.

The Polish native is the Dean of Westminster Cathedral and is responsible for the whole life of the Cathedral on behalf of the Archbishop.

He was seen speaking with King Charles III as he arrived for the service:

The Princess of Wales was spotted wearing a necklace belonging to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The necklace is made up of several silver peals and features a curved diamond clasp in the middle.

It was given to the late Queen to commemorate her first state visit to Japan in 1975.

The Requiem Mass service for the Duchess of Kent has now begun inside Westminster Cathedral.

Part of the service will feature a Scottish bagpipe lament performed during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022.

A piper from The Royal Dragoon Guards will play the lament – Sleep, Dearie, Sleep – while processing from the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary, past the duchess’s coffin in the Nave and down the cathedral’s central aisle.

King Charles has arrived at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral alone today after his wife Queen Camilla pulled out of the event.

He was accompanied by his private secretary Sir Clive Alderton as he arrived shortly before 2pm for the funeral service in his State Bentley.

Lady Amelia Windsor has arrived at Westminster Cathedral for the funeral of her late grandmother the Duchess of Kent.

The 30-year-old model looked sombre as she walked into the building.

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, has arrived at Westminster Cathedral for the funeral service for his late wife.

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has arrived at Westminster Cathedral for the funeral service for the Duchess of Kent.

She smiled at groups of mourners gathered outside as she arrived in a blue SUV.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived at Westminster Cathedral for the funeral of the Duchess of Kent.

They were greeted with sounds of approval from the small, quiet crowd gathered outside.

Lady Gabriella Windsor has arrived at Westminster for the Duchess of Kent’s funeral.

She donned a navy overcoat and black hat as she entered the Cathedral for the service today.

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have arrived at the Cathedral ahead of the service today.

The extended Kent and Gloucester families have now arrived, along with Princess Alexandra. Many of the older royals were either in wheelchairs or using walking sticks.

David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon attends the Duchess of Kent’s funeral:

Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, arrives at Westminster Cathedral today:

We’re now seeing the first photos of Lady Susan Hussey arriving for the service:

Former Formula One racing driver Jackie Stewart arrives at Westminster Cathedral:

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have been spotted leaving their home at Royal Lodge in Windsor today with a police escort ahead of the funeral:

More mourners are arriving for the funeral for the Duchess of Kent this afternoon:

Former politician Jeffrey Archer and his wife Mary Archer have just arrived at Westminster Cathedral for the Duchess of Kent’s funeral:

Rebecca English, the Mail’s Royal Editor, filmed a video of Countess Mountbatten of Burma and Lady Susan Hussey arriving at Westminster Cathedral along with other guests:

We’re now seeing the first arrivals at Westminster Cathedral for the funeral – actresses Rula Lenska and Dame Maureen Lipman have just been pictured walking in:

Shortly after her death earlier this month, royal biographer Robert Hardman shared his fond memories of the Duchess of Kent. Watch his moving tribute to the late royal:

Future Talent, a charity co-founded by the Duchess of Kent in 2004, has paid tribute to the late Royal in a moving post on social media. The organisation helps to support young musicians from low income backgrounds.

Rebecca English, the Mail’s Royal Editor, has just tweeted this video of guests beginning to arrive at Westminster Cathedral for the funeral service:

Earlier we reported that Queen Camilla has pulled out of attending the Duchess of Kent ‘s funeral as she is recovering from acute sinusitis.

Sinusitis is a common illness that results from the swelling of the sinuses, usually caused by an infection, according to the NHS website.

It usually clears up on its own within four weeks, although medicines can speed recovery along.

Symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, a reduced sense of smell, a high temperature and in some cases headaches.

Before she married Prince Edward in June 1961, the Duchess of Kent had worked at a nursery in London.

And over three decades later, she returned to the profession somewhat anonymously teaching music at a primary school in Hull under the clever pseudonym ‘Mrs Kent’.

During a rare interview in 2011, Katharine opened up about the 13 years she spent teaching at Wansbeck Primary School.

Read more in this article written by the Mail’s Ed Holt:

The Mail understands Camilla hopes to have recovered sufficiently to attend all elements of the State Visit by Donald Trump and this week’s other engagements, in what is scheduled to be a very busy programme.

We’ve been told that the Duke of Kent has been informed, and fully understands the Queen’s decision. He has sent his best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Her Majesty travelled down from Scotland this morning and will spend the day resting at Windsor.

The Queen has pulled out of attending the funeral of the Duchess of Kent while she recovers from acute sinusitis, Buckingham Palace has just announced.

A spokesman said: ‘With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis. Her thoughts and prayers will be with The Duke of Kent and all the family.’

There will be no livestream or televised coverage from inside the Duchess of Kent’s funeral at Westminster Cathedral today, because it is a private service.

However, the Mail will bring you photographs and videos of Royal Family members arriving ahead of the service which starts at 2pm.

The Duchess of Kent’s mourning grandchildren appeared sombre as they attended a vigil for her yesterday, ahead of today’s funeral. Read the Mail’s full report here:

Rebecca English, the Mail’s Royal Editor, has tweeted a link to an article about the Duchess of Kent’s former music pupil speaking about her ‘quiet dedication’ to supporting young musicians from deprived backgrounds. Read it in full here:

While the Duchess of Kent was the proud mother of three children – two sons and a daughter – she had a ‘longing for a large and mutually supportive family’.

Writing in her biography of the Duchess’s life, royal author Mary Riddell claimed that it was around 1975 that Katharine was ‘consumed’ by her desire for another child.

And due to this yearning it is likely the Duchess would have been thrilled when she discovered she was pregnant with her fourth child.

However, tragedy struck and Katharine was left with a terrible dilemma about whether she should terminate her pregnancy.

Read more in this article written by the Mail’s Ed Holt:

Buckingham Palace has said the Duchess of Kent’s funeral will begin at 2pm today.

We’ve also just been sent the first photograph of the day outside Westminster Cathedral, where the service will be held:

An online book of condolence for the Duchess of Kent opened on the monarchy’s official website following her death.

Members of the public wishing to pay their respects to the duchess’s family can do so at royal.uk.

The virtual book of condolence opened last Tuesday, a week ahead of the duchess’s funeral today.

The Duchess of Kent will be buried at a sacred ground in Windsor today alongside 33 other Royal Family members including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

The coffin carrying the body of Katharine will be taken by hearse to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore – and you can find out more about its history here:

The Royal Family’s Instagram account has posted a moving tribute to the Duchess of Kent ahead of her funeral, including a series of photos documenting her life:

The Duchess of Kent was the wife of the late Queen’s cousin the Duke of Kent.

Katharine, 92, was known for consoling losing Wimbledon finalists, notably a tearful Jana Novotna in 1993, and presented trophies at the championships for many years.

She preferred to be known as Mrs Kent and dropped her HRH style, retreating from royal life to spend more than a decade teaching music in a state primary school in Hull.

Buckingham Palace said she died peacefully on September 4 at her Kensington Palace home surrounded by her family.

A devout follower of the Roman Catholic faith, the Duchess of Kent became the first member of the royal family to convert to Catholicism for more than 300 years, doing so in 1994, and it was her wish to have her funeral at Westminster Cathedral.

Hers will be the first royal funeral at the cathedral in the Victoria area of Central London since its construction in 1903.

The King will not be the first monarch to have attended a Catholic funeral, as Queen Elizabeth II attended the Catholic state funeral of King Baudouin of the Belgians, at St Michael’s Cathedral in Brussels, in August 1993.

Charles, when Prince of Wales, went to Pope John Paul II’s funeral, representing his mother the late Queen, in 2005, while his son William attended Pope Francis’s funeral mass earlier this year.

The late Duchess of Kent was mourned by three generations of her family at a private vigil last night ahead of her funeral today.

Her coffin was carried in a royal hearse to Westminster Cathedral and was accompanied by a lone Piper from The Royal Dragoon Guards, of which she had been Deputy Colonel-in-Chief since its inception in 1992.

Read the full story from Mail reporters Elmira Tanatarova and Monique Rubins here:

The Prince and Princess of Wales will attend the Duchess of Kent’s funeral today, Kensington Palace has confirmed.

Good morning and welcome to the Daily Mail’s live coverage ahead of the Duchess of Kent’s funeral service at Westminster Cathedral today.

The requiem mass, a Catholic funeral, is the first to be held for a member of the monarchy in modern British history and will feature a Scottish bagpipe lament performed during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022.

A piper from The Royal Dragoon Guards will play the lament – Sleep, Dearie, Sleep – while processing from the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary, past the duchess’s coffin in the Nave and down the cathedral’s central aisle.

The service is set to be attended by the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family. Stay with us throughout today for all the latest updates.