Katharine, Duchess of Kent’s Coffin Arrives at Westminster Cathedral Before Historic Royal Funeral

King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family are set to attend the Duchess of Kent’s funeral tomorrow

Katharine, the Duchess of Kent.Credit : Press Association via AP; Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

The funeral services are underway for the late Katharine, Duchess of Kent
Buckingham Palace announced on Sept. 5 that the Duchess of Kent had died at age 92 the day prior
Katharine’s coffin was transported from Kensington Palace to Westminster Cathedral by the Royal Hearse on Monday, where her historic funeral will be held tomorrow

The funeral services have begun for the late Katharine, Duchess of Kent.

At about 12 p.m. local time on Sept. 15, the Duchess of Kent’s coffin arrived by Royal Hearse at Westminster Cathedral, where her historic royal funeral will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

The late Duchess of Kent — wife of Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent — died at age 92 on Sept. 4, Buckingham Palace announced the following day.

Ahead of the funeral proceedings, her coffin rested in the private chapel at Kensington Palace, where she lived at Wren House. On Monday, the coffin was moved within London to the cathedral, where a private Vigil with Rite of Reception and Vespers was held.

The event was attended by some members of the royal family, led by the Duke of Kent. He was seen arm-in-arm with his daughter Lady Helen Taylor. Other attendees included Prince Michael of Kent, Lady Gabriella Kingston, Lord Frederik Windsor and his wife Sophie Winkleman.

It was preceded on departure from Kensington Palace by a piper from the Royal Dragoon Guards, for which Katharine had been the Deputy Colonel-in-Chief since the regiment’s inception in 1992. The Bearing Party, which received the coffin at the cathedral, was also formed by the Royal Dragoon Guards.

The coffin of the Duchess of Kent arriving for a Rite of Reception vigil at Westminster Cathedral in London on Sept. 15, 2025.Stephen Lock/i-Images via ZUMA Pres

The Duchess of Kent is survived by her husband, the Duke of Kent, their three children and 10 grandchildren.

After the Rite of Reception and Vespers, her coffin will rest overnight in the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

On Tuesday, King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family will join the Duke of Kent, 89, and Kent family members at the Requiem Mass, a Catholic funeral service, for the Duchess of Kent.

Katharine was Roman Catholic, and her funeral will be historic as the first Catholic funeral for a member of the British royal family in modern history. The service will also be the first royal funeral at Westminster Cathedral since its construction in 1903.

Lady Helen Taylor and The Duke of Kent (right) arrives for late wife’s vigil at Westminster Cathedral in London on Sept. 15, 2025.Stephen Lock/i-Images via ZUMA Press

It was the late Duchess’ wish to have her funeral at the cathedral, and the plans have the support of the royal family.

Katharine’s funeral will be attended by members of the royal family, friends and representatives from her charitable affiliations. The Duchess of Kent was a passionate advocate for music education and accessibility, and even secretly spent a decade as a music teacher, and the family service will also reflect her special relationships with the military.

As her royal biography outlines, the Duchess was the Deputy Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Dragoon Guards and the Deputy Colonel-in-Chief of the Adjutant General’s Corps and The Royal Logistics Corps until her death.

Members of the royal family at Westminster Cathedral on Sept. 15, 2025.Paul Grover/WPA Pool/Shutterstock

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Following the service, Katharine’s coffin will travel by hearse to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor. Other royal family members buried there include Queen Elizabeth’s uncle, the Duke of Windsor and former King Edward VIII, and his wife, Wallis Simpson.

As a gesture of respect, flags will be lowered to half-mast at all official royal residences flying the Union Jack flag on the day of the funeral.

The Duke of Kent and Lady Helen Taylor at Westminster Cathedral on Sept. 15, 2025.PA Images/Alamy

The arrangements will not impact the incoming state visit from the U.S. by President Donald Trump, which officially kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 17.