Queen Camilla has sadly announced that she will not be attending the Duchess of Kent’s funeral today, as she is currently recovering from a sinus infection. The 78-year-old monarch has withdrawn from attending the afternoon’s Requiem Mass at Westminster Cathedral, where she had originally planned to join the King and other royal family members in bidding farewell to the late Katharine, Duchess of Kent.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed the news, stating, “With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis.” The statement added that Queen Camilla’s thoughts and prayers are with the Duke of Kent and the entire family during this time of mourning. It was also noted that the Duke of Kent is fully understanding of Camilla’s decision and has extended his best wishes for a swift recovery.
Camilla had been expected to attend the funeral, where Katharine, the wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, would be remembered by family and friends. Katharine, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 92, had largely stepped back from public royal duties over the past two decades but was known for her emotional displays of compassion, notably her embrace of tennis player Jana Novotná at the 1993 Wimbledon tournament after Novotná’s heartbreaking loss. Katharine’s warmth and humanity were widely admired, and her legacy remains deeply cherished by those who knew her.
Born Katharine Worsley in 1933, she grew up at Hovingham Hall in North Yorkshire, the ancestral home of her father, Sir William Worsley. Her passing marks the end of an era for the royal family, and her death has brought an outpouring of tributes from her loved ones. A statement from Buckingham Palace upon her death conveyed the profound loss felt by the royal family: “It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.” The King, Queen, and other royal family members have expressed their condolences, joining the Duke of Kent, his children, and grandchildren in mourning.
In her absence, Queen Camilla’s decision to rest and recover in Windsor after traveling down from Scotland this morning shows the importance of her health and well-being. Despite her absence, the royal family’s collective thoughts remain with the Duke of Kent and his family during this somber occasion.
Tributes for the Duchess of Kent have also been received from Prince Harry and Meghan, who privately sent their condolences, as well as from the Prince and Princess of Wales. Their statement highlighted Katharine’s tireless efforts to help others, particularly her support of numerous causes through her passion for music, and her strong, enduring presence within the royal family.
As the royal family gathers to mourn the loss of the Duchess of Kent, Queen Camilla’s recovery takes precedence, with her thoughts undoubtedly remaining with her family and the Duke of Kent during this time of grief. While the royal family mourns Katharine’s passing, her legacy of compassion and dedication to charitable causes will continue to resonate with all who knew her.
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