The Oldest Royal, The Duchess of Kent, Dies at 92

UK: Buckingham Palace has announced with "deep sorrow" that the Duchess of Kent has passed away at the age of 92. A statement confirmed she "passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family." In response, flags on all royal residences have been lowered to half-mast.

The Duchess, born Katharine, was the Royal Family's oldest living member and was married to Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, who is a first cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

A Life of Compassion and Music The Prince and Princess of Wales praised the Duchess as a "much missed member of the family" who "worked tirelessly to help others." She was a great lover of music, supporting charities and even teaching at a primary school in Hull, where students knew her simply as "Mrs. Kent." Her deep love for music and empathy for young people were noted in an official statement from the palace.

She was also a familiar and comforting presence at the Wimbledon tennis championships, where she was known for consoling players, including the famous moment with a tearful Jana Novotna in 1993.

Royal Mourning and Funeral Details King Charles, currently at Balmoral, was informed of her death on Thursday. A period of royal mourning is now in effect, during which royal members will wear dark clothes and troops on public duty will wear black armbands.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to her, stating she brought "compassion, dignity, and a human touch to everything she did."

The date for her funeral has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be a Catholic service, in line with the Duchess's faith. It is not yet confirmed which members of the Royal Family will attend, as the family prepares for a busy schedule, including a state visit by President Trump and a visit by Prince Harry for charity events.