The royal family gathered in London this week to mourn Katharine, Duchess of Kent, in a rare show of unity. Katharine, who died earlier this month at the age of 92, was the oldest member of the royal family. She was married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, 89, a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Royal Family Attends Duchess of Kent’s Funeral
Jordan Pettitt - Pool/Getty ImagesSenior royals, including King Charles III, Prince William, and Kate Middleton, attended the service on Tuesday at Westminster Cathedral. Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, were also present to pay their respects.
One notable absence was Queen Camilla, 78, who Buckingham Palace confirmed was recovering from acute sinusitis. “With great regret, Her Majesty the Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s Requiem Mass for the Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis,” the palace announced. “Her thoughts and prayers will be with the Duke of Kent and all the family.”
BBC News reported that the funeral was the first Catholic service for a royal family member in modern times. A message from Pope Leo XIV was read during the ceremony. Following the mass, the duchess’ coffin was taken by hearse to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore. Her coffin had rested overnight in the Lady Chapel after a rite of reception and vespers on Monday.
Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty ImagesFlags across official royal residences were lowered to half-mast on Tuesday. In a statement released shortly after Katharine’s death, Buckingham Palace said, “The King and Queen and all Members of The Royal Family join The Duke of Kent, his children and grandchildren in mourning their loss and remembering fondly The Duchess’s life-long devotion to all the organizations with which she was associated, her passion for music, and her empathy for young people.”
Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesPrince Harry Reunites With King Charles
The funeral came just days after Prince Harry’s surprise trip to the UK. Last week, the Duke of Sussex visited Queen Elizabeth II’s gravesite, attended events for his charities, and reunited with his father for the first time in more than a year.
According to Us Weekly, Harry initiated the meeting after writing a handwritten letter to Charles earlier this year, expressing his desire to reconnect. Insiders described the encounter as filled with “hugs and tears” and said the mood was “genuine and positive.”
Page Six reported that father and son shared “private tea” at Clarence House, where Harry showed the king photos and videos of his children.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Harry said Charles, 76, is doing “great” following his February 2024 cancer announcement. The prince added that he hopes to spend more time in England and bring his children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, with him. “This week has definitely brought that closer,” Harry told the Guardian.
