The Duke of Kent celebrated turning 89 last week with a musical performance from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards at Kensington Palace.
Prince Edward is the oldest working member of the Royal Family and still attends ceremonial events such as Trooping the Colour and Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph, though has scaled back his engagements significantly in recent years.
The Duke of Kent speaks to one of the Pipers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards at Kensington Palace. Prince Michael of Kent can be seen on the right. (Petty Officer Joel Rouse/© MOD Crown Copyright)
Joining the Duke outside his home, Wren House in the grounds of Kensington Palace, was his wife, Katherine, son Lord Nicholas Windsor and the Duke’s younger brother, Prince Michael of Kent.
In a rare appearance, Katherine was pictured siting in a wheelchair, with a blue shawl around her shoulders. The Duchess stepped back from royal duties in 2002 and has focused on her passion for music, including founding Future Talent, which aims for an equality where all gifted young musicians from low-income backgrounds have musical opportunities.
Katharine’s last major public appearance with the Royal Family was at The Duke and Duchess of Sussex‘s wedding in 2018.
The Duke of Kent speaks to one of the Pipers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards at Kensington Palace. (Petty Officer Joel Rouse/© MOD Crown Copyright)
After the performance, Prince Edward shook hands and chatted to the pipers, who were dressed in their traditional red kilted uniforms and thanked them for their well wishes.
In celebration of The Duke of Kent’s Birthday today, three pipers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, of which His Royal Highness is Deputy Colonel-in-Chief, performed for The Duke at Kensington Palace. 🎈 pic.twitter.com/44FC8XSTH6
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 9, 2024
A wee dram was drunk by the lead piper from a quaich, a traditional Scottish cup of friendship to mark the occasion.
Prince Edward served as an officer in The Royal Scots Greys (which later became the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards) between 1955 and 1971 and was posted to Hong Kong, Cyprus, and Northern Ireland. He was commissioned into Royal Scots Grey after graduating from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1955, so it was no surprise to see him wearing the regimental tie for the occasion.
His Royal Highness is the Guards’ Deputy Colonel-in-Chief, whilst His Majesty King Charles III is their Colonel.
