Duchess of Kent Dies Aged 92 After Teaching, Charity Career

The Duchess of Kent, Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley, who died at 92, was widely admired for her warmth, humility, and quiet independence, famously comforting a tearful Jana Novotna at the 1993 Wimbledon Championships where she presented trophies for over three decades. She chose to retreat from royal life to pursue her twin passions of music and children, spending 13 years as a music teacher in a primary school in Hull under the name Mrs Kent, embracing an informal and low-profile existence. As a devout Roman Catholic, she became the first royal family member in over 300 years to convert to Catholicism, a decision that marked a notable departure from tradition. Despite her royal status, she was naturally shy and struggled with confidence, which motivated her to boost others' self-esteem. The duchess was also an unassuming charity worker, volunteering for the Samaritans and serving as a UNICEF ambassador, demonstrating deep compassion and dedication beyond her royal duties. After facing personal challenges like baby loss and depression, she stepped back from public royal duties and was permitted to drop her HRH style, preferring to be known simply as Kate or Mrs Kent.