Katharine, Duchess of Kent facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Katharine
Duchess of Kent (more)
Katharine (holding a koala) in 1988
Born	Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley (1933-02-22) 22 February 1933 (age 92) Hovingham Hall, Yorkshire, England
Spouse	Prince Edward, Duke of Kent ​ (m. 1961)​
Issue more...	George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews Lady Helen Taylor Lord Nicholas Windsor
House	Worsley
Father	Sir William Worsley, 4th Baronet
Mother	Joyce Brunner
Religion	Roman Catholic prev. Anglican
Signature
Education	Queen Margaret's School, York Runton Hill School

Katharine, Duchess of Kent (born Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley; 22 February 1933) is a member of the British royal family. She is married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. He is a grandson of King George V.

The Duchess of Kent became a Catholic in 1994. She was the first royal family member to change her religion publicly since 1701. The Duchess loves music very much. She has sung in several choirs.

On 8 September 2022, she became the oldest living member of the British royal family. This happened after Queen Elizabeth II passed away.

Early Life and Education

Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley was born on February 22, 1933. Her birthplace was Hovingham Hall in Yorkshire, England. She was the only daughter of Sir William Worsley and Joyce Brunner. Her family has a long history. She is even a descendant of Oliver Cromwell.

Katharine did not go to school until she was 10 years old. She later attended Queen Margaret's School, York and Runton Hill School. At school, she discovered her love for music. She learned to play the piano, organ, and violin. She still plays these instruments today. In her last year, she helped organize school music shows.

After school, she worked at a children's home in York. She also worked at a nursery school in London. She continued to study music at a special school in Oxford. She spent a lot of her time practicing music there.

Marriage and Family

Katharine Worsley met Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, when he was in the military. He is the son of Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark.

On June 8, 1961, Katharine and Prince Edward got married. Their wedding was held at York Minster. This was the first royal wedding there in 633 years! Many important guests attended, including members of royal families from different countries. Her beautiful white silk wedding dress was designed by John Cavanagh.

The Duke and Duchess of Kent have three children:

• George, Earl of St Andrews, born in 1962.
• Lady Helen Taylor, born in 1964.
• Lord Nicholas Windsor, born in 1970.

The Duchess has spoken about a sad time in her life. She experienced the loss of a baby, Patrick, in 1977. This made her very understanding of others who have gone through similar sadness.

The Duchess moved with her husband when he served in the military in Hong Kong and Germany. They also carried out many royal duties for the Queen. These included attending important events like the independence celebrations in Uganda.

Becoming a Catholic

The Duchess of Kent officially became a Roman Catholic in 1994. This was her own choice. Queen Elizabeth II approved of her decision.

In the past, a royal family member marrying a Catholic would lose their place in the line to the throne. However, this rule did not apply to the Duke of Kent. This is because his wife became Catholic after they were married. So, the Duke of Kent kept his place in the line of succession to the British throne.

Since then, some of their children and grandchildren have also become Catholic.

Later Years and Music Focus

The Duchess with Sir Walter Campbell and Lady Campbell in Brisbane, 1992

In 2002, the Duchess of Kent decided to reduce her royal duties. She also chose not to use her full royal title as often. She is sometimes known as Katharine Kent. Even so, she still attends important royal events. She was at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011. She also attended the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. She was present at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.

The Duchess of Kent at Trooping the Colour, June 2013

The Duchess of Kent has a deep love for music. In 1996, she started working as a music teacher at Wansbeck Primary School. She also gave piano lessons. She has been involved with many music organizations. She was the president of the Royal Northern College of Music. She also directed the National Foundation for Youth Music.

In 2004, she spoke about her teaching career. She said it was "very satisfying" and a "privilege." She believes it is "one of the most exciting jobs anyone can do." In 2005, she shared her liking for rap music and the singer Dido.

The Duchess is a co-founder of Future Talent. This charity helps young children from low-income families pursue music careers. She also supports Samaritans, a charity that helps people in distress. She is also a supporter of UNICEF.

Titles, Styles, Honours and Arms

Titles and Styles

Since her marriage, Katharine has been known as "Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent".

Honours

• 1961: Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II
• 9 June 1977: Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO)

Freedom of the City

• 1989: Freeman of the City of York

Honorary Military Appointments

United Kingdom

• Honorary Major-General, Controller Commandant, Women's Royal Army Corps
• Colonel-in-Chief, of The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire

Civilian Offices

• Chancellor of the University of Leeds (1966–1999)

Arms

Arms of the Duchess of Kent

Notes Coat of Arms of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, depicting her husband's arms impaled with those of her father. Coronet Coronet of a Grandchild of the Sovereign Escutcheon HRH The Duke of Kent's arms impaled with those of the Duchess's father, Sir William Worsley, 4th Baronet. Supporters The Royal Supporters differenced with the like coronet and label. Orders The Royal Victorian Order circlet. VICTORIA Other elements Insignia of GCVO

Issue

See also

In Spanish: Catalina de Kent para niños

• The Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital at Sandy Bay, Hong Kong Island