uckingham Palace announced the death of the Duchess of Kent on September 5, 2025.

The duchess was 92 when she died peacefully at Kensington Palace on September 4.

Since then, stories of Duchess Katharine’s life have resurfaced, now including her work with the Isabel Hospice. The hospice itself has spoken out, sharing Duchess Katharine’s devotion to the cause.
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, was the oldest royal following the death of Queen Elizabeth II (Credit: SplashNews.com)

New statement following death of the Duchess of Kent

The Duchess of Kent played a part in the early days of the hospice. She opened the charity’s first Day Hospice (now Living Well) in Hall Grove.

Duchess Katharine was also said to have spent time with patients and workers at the hospice.

President of Isabel, Barbara Doherty, has now spoken out.

As reported by Welwyn Hatfield Times, she said: “It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of the Duchess of Kent on Thursday, September 4.

“The Duchess played an important role in the history of Isabel Hospice as it grew from a small charity founded in 1982 by Isabel Last and her original Board of Trustees.

“In 1986, our first Day Hospice opened, becoming the charity’s first base and home to our team of specialist nurses. The Duchess of Kent officially opened the building on May 14, 1987, meeting Isabel and Tony Last, our Founding Chairman Harry Overy, and the original Trustees.

“She also spent time with staff, patients, and families who were invited to mark the occasion.”
The Duchess of Kent died on September 4 (Credit: SplashNews.com)

The Duchess of Kent’s work

On October 1, 1990, when a major fundraising appeal resulted in the building of the In-Patient Unit, the duchess attended.

She officially opened the new facility on this day, 35 years ago.

Barbara poignantly concluded: “She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who had the privilege to meet her.”

The duchess had become the oldest living member of the royal family after Queen Elizabeth’s death in September 2022.

Buckingham Palace’s statement

Buckingham Palace’s statement read last month: “It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.

“Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.”

It continued: “The King and Queen and all Members of The Royal Family join The Duke of Kent, his children and grandchildren in mourning their loss and remembering fondly The Duchess’s life-long devotion to all the organisations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales’ message following royal loss

The Prince and Princess of Wales also spoke out.

They penned to their official social media: “Our thoughts today are with the Duke of Kent and his family, particularly [their children] George, Helen and Nicholas.

“The duchess worked tirelessly to help others and supported many causes, including through her love of music. She will be a much missed member of the family. W & C.”

The funeral of the Duchess of Kent took place at Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday, September 16.

The duchess was Catholic and the service was therefore a Requiem Mass.