King Charles Attends Duchess of Kent’s Funeral, While Ill Queen Camilla Remains Home

King Charles and other royals were present at the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, held at Westminster Cathedral. Unfortunately, Queen Camilla couldn’t attend due to recovering from acute sinusitis and sent her regrets.

The Prince and Princess of Wales paid their respects alongside the Duke of Kent and his three children. This funeral holds significance as it’s the first Catholic service for a royal family member in modern history. A message from Pope Leo praised the duchess for her commitment to charity and caring for those in need.

Despite Queen Camilla’s absence, Buckingham Palace emphasized her thoughts and prayers were with the family. She had already planned to participate in a state visit from President Trump just days before.

As people gathered outside the cathedral, royals including Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew arrived. The duchess had a rich legacy, being the oldest member of the royal family at age 92 when she passed away. She was married to the Duke of Kent, a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols recounted her dedication to charities, particularly her volunteering at The Passage, a charity for the homeless. He described her as a grounded person who combined royal duties with genuine service to the community. This funeral wasn’t just an official occasion but also a heartfelt family gathering to honor a beloved member.

Music played an important role in the service. The duchess cherished classical music, including “Ave Verum Corpus” by Mozart, which she named as her favorite during her 1990 appearance on BBC’s “Desert Island Discs.” A piper performed “Sleep, Dearie, Sleep,” further connecting her memory to royal history, marking the solemnity of the moment.

After the service at Westminster, her coffin will be taken to Frogmore, the royal burial ground on the Windsor estate. The duchess leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication to music, and a commitment to charity that resonated deeply with those who knew her.

This funeral serves not only as a remembrance of a life well-lived but as a reflection on the changing roles of the royal family in modern society, especially given the historical importance of a royal Catholic funeral.



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