The Duchess of Kent, Katharine, has died peacefully at the age of 92 at Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace announced with “deep sorrow.” She was the oldest member of the Royal Family and wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Flags at royal residences, including Buckingham Palace, have been lowered to half-mast.

King Charles, currently in Balmoral, was informed of her death, and a period of royal mourning has been declared. In a statement, the royal family paid tribute to her lifelong devotion to charitable organizations, her passion for music, and empathy for young people. The Prince and Princess of Wales described her as a “much-missed member of the family” who worked tirelessly to help others.

The Duchess was widely known for her appearances at Wimbledon, famously consoling a tearful Jana Novotna in 1993 and later presenting trophies to champions. A passionate music lover, she supported music charities, taught music in a Hull primary school under the name “Mrs Kent,” and set up a charity to help young people access musical education.

Born Katharine Worsley in Yorkshire, she married the Duke of Kent in 1961 and became the first royal in over 300 years to convert to Catholicism in 1994. She and the Duke had three children, though another son was stillborn. Throughout her life, the Duchess balanced royal duties with personal charitable work and education initiatives, leaving a lasting legacy in music and public service.

She is survived by her husband, the Duke of Kent, and their two sons and daughter. The date of her funeral has not been announced but is expected to be a Catholic service.