The Duchess of Kent, Katherine, has maintained a low profile since she stepped away from royal duties back in 1992.
Born as Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley on February 22, 1933, she wasn’t formally educated until she was 10 years old. Her love and passion for music propelled her to learn to play the piano, organ, and violin as a child.
In 1961, Katherine married Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent and became the Duchess of Kent. Their wedding took place at York Minster, and their union has produced three children.
However, the Duchess also faced some tragedy, having an abortion in 1975 due to German measles and giving birth to a stillborn son, Patrick, in 1977. Speaking about this experience, Katherine mentioned it was extremely devastating and made her more understanding of others who suffer a stillbirth.
After about two decades as a working royal, the Duchess retired in 2002, giving up her Her Royal Highness title. She requested people to refer to her as Katherine instead of the Duchess of Kent.
She converted to Catholicism in 1994, a decision that she made personally and with approval from the late Queen. She mentioned her preference for guidelines and said that the Catholic Church offered her what she was looking for in life.
At 90 years old, the Duchess still lives with her husband, Prince Edward, at Kensington Palace. They share the residence with other members of the Royal Family.
Despite retiring, the Duke and Duchess of Kent are still married, 63 years after their wedding on June 8, 1961 at York Minster. Their marriage was the first to take place at the minster in 633 years.
As the Duchess continues to live a quiet life away from royal duties, she remains a respected and beloved figure among the British royals and the public.
