Isle Of Wight Council Pays Tribute Following Death Of Duchess Of Kent, Aged 92

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Tributes are being paid on the Isle of Wight following the death of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, who has passed away aged 92.

Buckingham Palace confirmed she died peacefully at Kensington Palace on Thursday night (5 September), surrounded by her family.

The Union Flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast shortly after the announcement.

Locally, the Isle of Wight Council has also lowered the Union Flag at County Hall in Newport as a mark of respect.

Cllr Ian Dore, Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, said:

“It is with sadness that I extend my deepest sympathies to His Majesty The King, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, and all members of the Royal Family.

"Following the sad announcement today, that Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent passed away peacefully last night, at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her loved ones.

"Following the announcement, we are flying the Union Flag at County Hall at half-mast and will continue to do so until Monday morning at 8am.”

An online condolence book will be made available by Buckingham Palace in the coming days, with funeral details to follow.

A life remembered

Katharine, who became the oldest living member of the Royal Family following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, was known for her compassion and her passion for music.

A talented pianist and singer, she stepped back from royal life to teach music for 13 years at a primary school in Hull, preferring to be known simply as Mrs Kent.

Her appearances at Wimbledon became iconic. In 1993, she famously comforted tearful finalist Jana Novotna after her defeat to Steffi Graf, breaking royal protocol in a moment that touched the nation.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have paid tribute, describing her as a “much missed member of the family,” while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised her “compassion, dignity and human touch.”

Katharine married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent – a cousin of the late Queen – at York Minster in 1961. The couple had three children together and remained close throughout their lives, even while living separately for many years.