Duchess of Kent Dies Aged 92, Oldest Royal Family Member

The Duchess of Kent, Katharine Worsley, has died peacefully at the age of 92 at Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace announced. Married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth, she was known for her long association with Wimbledon and her warm public demeanor, including a memorable embrace with tennis player Jana Novotná in 1993. Born into an aristocratic family in Yorkshire, she married Prince Edward in 1961 in a historic royal wedding at York Minster, becoming a popular figure among the public and European royalty. Later in life, she stepped back from royal duties and pursued a career as a music teacher, choosing a quieter life away from the spotlight. The Duchess was the oldest living member of the Royal Family until her death and was remembered for her lifelong devotion to various organizations, her passion for music, and empathy for young people. The Royal Family, including the King and Queen, joined in mourning her loss, with the union flag at Buckingham Palace lowered to half mast in her honor.