On 16 September 2025, members of the British royal family gathered in Westminster Cathedral, London, to attend the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, who passed away at the age of 92. The service was a solemn occasion that marked a significant moment in royal history: it was the first Catholic funeral for a member of the royal family in modern times.
The Duchess of Kent, who married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in 1961, was the first senior royal to convert to Catholicism in more than 300 years, doing so in 1994. Her funeral reflected her deep faith and highlighted a historic shift in religious tradition within the monarchy.
A Historic Service at Westminster Cathedral
The Requiem Mass for the Duchess was held at Westminster Cathedral, the principal Catholic church in England and Wales. This marked the first time the cathedral had hosted a royal funeral since its opening in 1903.
According to BBC News and The Telegraph, the service was attended by senior members of the royal family, clergy, and representatives from the Catholic community. Hymns, prayers, and readings emphasized both the Duchess’s personal devotion and her role in public life.
A message was also read on behalf of Pope Francis, offering condolences to the Duke of Kent and the royal family, and recognizing the Duchess’s lifelong commitment to faith and service.
After the Mass, the Duchess was laid to rest at the Royal Burial Ground in Frogmore, Windsor, alongside other family members including Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, and Sir Angus Ogilvy.
King Charles III and Princess Catherine’s Public Exchange
During the farewell, one notable moment drew attention: Princess Catherine, Princess of Wales, was seen offering a warm gesture of support to King Charles III. The King, who has been undergoing treatment for cancer since early 2024, attended the funeral alongside other senior royals.
According to coverage from Reuters and Getty Images photographs, Catherine greeted the King respectfully, exchanging words and showing comfort through a gentle embrace and a curtsey. The moment reflected a display of familial closeness rather than formal protocol.
In the context of a grieving royal family, the gesture underscored the strong bond between the Princess of Wales and the King, demonstrating unity at a time of mourning.
Queen Camilla’s Absence
One of the most noted absences at the funeral was that of Queen Camilla. Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Queen was unable to attend due to acute sinusitis, expressing her “great regret” at missing the service.
According to the Palace statement, Queen Camilla sent her condolences privately to the Duke of Kent and his family and assured them of her support. Her absence highlighted the realities of health challenges even among public figures, though the royal family remained well represented by the King, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and other senior members.
Other Senior Royals in Attendance
Alongside King Charles and Princess Catherine, other royals present at the funeral included Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (Prince Edward and Sophie), and various extended family members.
The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, was seen speaking with Catherine prior to the service. Sophie is scheduled to travel abroad to join her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, on official engagements in Papua New Guinea and later Japan. This highlights the ongoing global role that the royal family continues to play, balancing personal family responsibilities with state and diplomatic duties.
The Life and Legacy of the Duchess of Kent
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, was widely respected for her compassion and dedication to education and music. She supported a number of charitable causes throughout her life and was especially known for her work with young people and underprivileged communities.
Her decision to convert to Catholicism in 1994 was historically significant. While it was a deeply personal choice, it also represented a moment of religious openness within the royal family.
The Duchess lived much of her later life privately, away from the public spotlight, though she remained a beloved member of the extended royal family. Her funeral service reflected both her private faith and her public contributions.
King Charles III’s Presence Despite Health Treatment
That King Charles III attended the funeral while still undergoing cancer treatment was also a point of public interest. Buckingham Palace had announced in February 2024 that the King had been diagnosed with cancer following a procedure for an enlarged prostate. While the Palace has not disclosed the specific type of cancer, it clarified that it was not prostate cancer.
According to BBC and The Guardian, the King has continued to carry out a reduced schedule of duties while undergoing treatment. His attendance at the Duchess’s funeral underlined his commitment to both family and ceremonial responsibilities.
A Symbol of Family Unity
In recent years, the royal family has faced public scrutiny regarding its role in modern Britain. Yet moments such as the Duchess of Kent’s funeral show the institution at its most traditional and familial.
Princess Catherine’s visible support of King Charles was widely interpreted as a sign of unity and mutual respect within the family. While gestures between royals can sometimes be analyzed in detail by observers, the significance of this moment lies primarily in its context: a family mourning together, paying tribute to a beloved relative, and supporting one another during a solemn occasion.
Public and Media Response
Media coverage across the UK emphasized both the historic nature of the funeral and the symbolism of the King’s presence alongside senior royals. Outlets such as The Times, BBC, and Sky News highlighted the importance of Westminster Cathedral as the chosen venue, underscoring the impact of the Duchess’s Catholic faith on her funeral arrangements.
Public response online included tributes to the Duchess of Kent’s life of service, as well as recognition of King Charles’s dedication to his duties despite his ongoing treatment. Many also praised Princess Catherine for her compassion and poise during the service.
The Monarchy’s Balance of Tradition and Modernity
The Duchess of Kent’s funeral reflected both the continuity of centuries-old royal traditions and the adaptation to personal and religious choices that define the modern monarchy.
By honoring the Duchess’s Catholic faith at Westminster Cathedral, the royal family signaled a respect for personal conviction that resonates with Britain’s diverse society. At the same time, the presence of senior royals reinforced the institution’s stability during a time of transition under King Charles III.
Conclusion
The funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, was a landmark moment in royal history. Held at Westminster Cathedral, it symbolized both her personal faith and the broader evolution of the monarchy in modern Britain.
King Charles III’s attendance, despite ongoing cancer treatment, underscored his dedication to duty and family. Princess Catherine’s gesture of support further highlighted the unity within the royal household at a time of mourning.
While the service was steeped in history, it also offered a glimpse into the monarchy’s future: one that continues to honor tradition while adapting to personal choice and societal change.
As the royal family moves forward, the legacy of the Duchess of Kent — her compassion, her faith, and her quiet strength — will remain an enduring part of its story.