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The Duchess of Kent was poignantly carried out of Kensington Palace for the final time tonight ahead of her funeral tomorrow.
In recognition of the profound respect and admiration she earned from the Royal Family through her many years of service, her coffin was transported in the Royal Hearse, a vehicle designed by Queen Elizabeth II.
In a touching tribute, a solitary Piper from The Royal Dragoon Guards, a regiment where she served as Deputy Colonel-in-Chief since 1992, led her departure from her royal residence.
Katharine, who preferred the straightforward title of Mrs. Kent, reflecting her practical, no-nonsense Yorkshire attitude, passed away on September 4 at the age of 92 following a period of poor health.
She was the oldest living member of the Royal Family at the time.
The wife of the Duke of Kent, cousin of Queen Elizabeth and grandson of King George V was universally admired for her beauty and elegance.
However she was equally renowned for her compassion and dignity, seeking permission from the late Queen to convert to Catholicism and give up full-time royal duties following a series of personal tragedies to work as a music teacher in a Hull primary school.
She also founded a charity, Future Talent, to support some of the country’s brightest but under-supported musical prodigies.
Her coffin has rested in the private chapel at Kensington Palace since her passing to allow members of the family to pay their respects privately.
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent is seen being taken from Kensington Palace to Westminster Cathedral
Her coffin was draped in the Royal Standard and transported in the Royal Hearse, which was designed by Queen Elizabeth II
Family members were seen arriving at Westminster Cathedral in a minibusÂ
The coffin left Kensington Palace at 4.45pm to make the 15-minute journey to Westminster Cathedral, flanked by a police escort
The Duchess of Kent’s coffin, borne by soldiers of The Royal Dragoon Guards of which the duchess was Deputy Colonel-in-Chief, arrives at Westminster Cathedral
Prince Michael of Kent arrives at Westminster Cathedral in central London
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent is seen being taken from Kensington Palace to Westminster Cathedral
The hearse carrying the Duchess of Kent passes through Wellington Arch ahead of her funeral tomorrowÂ
Today is the start of her final journey, when it leaves the west London palace for the short journey to Westminster Cathedral for what will the first Royal Catholic funeral in modern history.Â
Although names will not be confirmed until the day, a full turn-out of the Royal Family is expected.
The coffin exited the palace at 4.45pm to begin the 15-minute journey to Westminster Cathedral, the heart of the Catholic faith in London.
The distinctive claret-coloured Royal Hearse – also known as the State Hearse – was last seen in use in 2022 when Queen Elizabeth died.
It was built by Jaguar Land Rover in consultation with the Royal Household and the Queen herself.
It features expansive rear windows and a glass roof – apparently personally requested by Her Late Majesty – which offers a full view of any coffin contained inside.
The coffin is being taken to Westminster Cathedral for a private Vigil for the Deceased and Rite of Reception, as well as Vespers for the Dead – an evening prayer service – attended by Her Royal Highness’ immediate family.
The Bearer Party receiving the coffin at the place of worship will also be formed by Duchess’ beloved The Royal Dragoon Guards.
The coffin will rest overnight in the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary, before Requiem Mass, a Catholic funeral service, tomorrow afternoon.
Lady Marina Charlotte Windsor (right) and Lady Amelia Windsor look sombre as they arrive at Westminster Cathedral ahead of their grandmother’s funeral tomorrowÂ
Lady Frederick Windsor (second left) and Lord Frederick Windsor (right) arrive at Westminster Cathedral in central London, where the coffin of the Duchess of Kent will lie ahead of her funeral
With her unmistakable silvery blonde bob, the Duchess of Kent was, long before Princess Diana, the royals’ queen of compassion (Pictured in April 2011)
The Duchess of Kent died on September 4 at the age of 92 (pictured ahead of a State Banquet in 1991)
The King and Queen, as well as members of the Royal Family, will join The Duke of Kent and members of the Duchess’ family at the service.
Meanwhile Prince and Princess Michael of Kent arrived at Westminster Abbey in a mini bus with other family members. The Prince, 83, is the Duke of Kent’s brother.
The Duke of Kent’s sister, Princess Alexandra, 88, also arrived by taxi and in a wheelchair.
The Duke of Kent is now the oldest living member of the Royal Family following the death of his wife.
