The coffin of the Duchess of Kent has been moved to Westminster Cathedral, where it will rest overnight ahead of her funeral service tomorrow.
Her coffin made the journey from the private chapel at Kensington Palace this evening in the burgundy state hearse, draped in her royal standard and accompanied by a police escort.
Members of the family – who are not working Royals – have therefore been able to pay their respects privately ahead of the service at the central London public venue.
Katharine died on 4th September at the age of 92; it is understood she had a period of illness though the cause of death has not been shared publicly.
A poignant moment as the Duchess of Kent’s coffin arrives at Westminster Cathedral ahead of her funeral tomorrow.
Tonight there will be a private Vigil for the Deceased and Rite of Reception, as well as Vespers for the Dead, attended by immediate family members. pic.twitter.com/Rx06YMk2rb— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) September 15, 2025
The hearse was also accompanied for the first few minutes by the sound of a military piper from the Royal Dragoon Guards, to the main road outside of the palace.
The regiment, of which the Duchess served as Deputy Colonel-in-Chief since its creation in 1992, played a central role in the procession: its members formed the bearer party that carried her coffin into the Cathedral, where it was placed in the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
On arrival, a private vigil for Katharine, who converted to Roman Catholicism in 1994 with the support of Elizabeth II, was held alongside the Rite of Reception and Vespers for the Dead.
The coffin was greeted, sprinkled with holy water, and processed towards the altar.
The service was attended by her widower, The Duke of Kent, alongside the couple’s immediate family, including their three children and ten grandchildren, Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra.
The Duchess’ coffin will remain at Westminster Cathedral overnight, resting in the Lady’s Chapel, before the final service tomorrow; this will mark the conclusion of two days of ceremonies honouring her life of dedication and service and a first royal funeral at the Catholic cathedral.
The King and Queen, together with other members of the Royal Family, are expected to join Prince Edward, 89, for the Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 2pm.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, will preside over the funeral Mass and will be assisted by Bishop James Curry, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, and the Dean of Windsor.
The Duchess will be laid to rest at Frogmore – where the Duke and Duchess of Windsor are buried, as well as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
