On 16 September 2025, Pope Francis sent a heartfelt message of condolence to King Charles III following the passing of Katharine, Duchess of Kent. In his message, the Holy Father expressed his deep sorrow and solidarity with the British royal family, praising the late Duchess’s legacy of virtue, particularly her extensive charitable work supporting the most vulnerable members of society.
The Holy Father’s message read: “I was saddened to learn of the death of the Duchess of Kent. I offer my heartfelt condolences, together with the assurance of my closeness in prayer, to His Majesty the King, the members of the Royal Family, especially the Duke of Kent, her husband, and her children and grandchildren in this hour of sorrow.”
In his words, Pope Francis entrusted the soul of the Duchess to the mercy of the Father and thanked Almighty God for her remarkable legacy of virtues. He highlighted her many years of devotion to charity, including her work with charitable organizations and her selfless dedication to the care of society’s most vulnerable.
The Holy Father closed his message by offering his Apostolic Blessing, providing comfort and peace in the Risen Christ to those mourning the loss of Princess Katharine, in the sure hope of the Resurrection.
Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley, born on 22 February 1933 into a British aristocratic family, married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in 1961 at York Minster. As a result of this marriage, she became a prominent member of the British Royal Family, assuming the title of Duchess of Kent.\
Known for her humble and simple life, Princess Katharine made a lasting impact through her charitable endeavors, particularly in the fields of education, music, and healthcare. She studied piano at the Guildhall School of Music in London and devoted much of her life to supporting projects that aided children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
A notable chapter of her life was her decision to convert to Catholicism in 1994, a rare choice within the British Royal Family since the Anglican Reformation. Katharine lived her faith quietly and sincerely, drawing admiration from many.
Princess Katharine passed away on 9 April 2025, leaving behind a legacy of Christian kindness, loyalty to her family, and exemplary faith. Her funeral mass, held at Westminster Cathedral on 16 September 2025, marked a historic moment as the first Catholic funeral for a member of the British Royal Family in modern times.
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