Duchess of Kent, Oldest Royal Family Member, Dies at 92

Katharine, Duchess of Kent, the oldest member of the British Royal Family, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family. Married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, she became widely known for her lifelong devotion to music and children's welfare, founding the charity Future Talent to support young musicians from low-income families. The Duchess was noted for her public service, including volunteering for the Passage shelter for the homeless, serving as a UNICEF ambassador, and her empathetic presence at Wimbledon, where she famously comforted tennis player Jana Novotná after a loss. After stepping back from public duties in 2002 and relinquishing her royal title, she taught music at a primary school under the name 'Mrs. Kent.' Her conversion to Catholicism in 1994 marked the first such change in the Royal Family since 1701. The Royal Family, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla, expressed deep sorrow and praised her lifelong compassion, dedication to charity, and passion for music.