Today marks a sad day in the history of the royal family, as the Duchess of Kent's funeral takes place at Westminster Cathedral. The sombre send-off saw the royals gather to pay tribute to a much-loved wife and grandmother, though Queen Camilla was unable to attend due to illness. Thankfully, the late Duchess' husband, the Duke of Kent, had plenty of family to lean on as he bid farewell to his late wife via requiem mass, a Catholic funeral, which is the first to be held for a member of the monarchy in modern British history. The mourning Duke arrived by car, relying on a walking stick for support as he exited the vehicle.
Familial support
The late Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin was supported by his immediate family on the mournful day, with granddaughters Lady Amelia and Lady Marina arriving together, while his niece, Lady Gabriella arrived arm in arm with her father, the Prince of Kent.
Lady Amelia Windsor
Amelia Windsor, granddaughter of the Duchess of Kent, daughter of George Windsor, cut a sombre figure as she arrived at her beloved grandmother's service.
Lady Marina Charlotte Windsor
Lady Amelia's sister, Lady Marina, appeared to hold back tears as the sisters entered the service.
Prior to the funeral, Marina paid tribute to the Duchess on Instagram shortly after her death, writing: "Rest in peace my amazing and beloved Amama, we will miss and love you so much always."
The 32-year-old second cousin of King Charles also read the Prayer of the Faithful during the ceremony alongside her cousins Eloise Taylor and Albert Windsor.
Prince Michael of Kent
The Duchess of Kent's brother-in-law, Prince Michael of Kent, and his daughter, Gabriella Windsor, were there to support the Duke of Kent on the difficult day. Gabriella was also by her father's side on Monday for the private funeral rites for the family.
Lady Helen Windsor
The Duke and Duchess' daughter, Lady Helen Taylor, looked visibly upset as she departed the car which drove her and her father to her mother's funeral.
Lady Helen's brothers, the Earl of St Andrews and Lord Nicholas Windsor, and close family members followed behind
The Duke of Kent
The Duke of Kent leaned on his walking stick as her ascended the steps to his wife's funeral.
The couple had been married for 63 years, with the Duchess making her final public appearance in honour of her husband’s 89th birthday in 2024.
Father and daughter
Lady Helen Taylor leads her father by the arm as they attend the Duchess' funeral. Lady Helen conceals her face, holding tightly to the Duke to keep him steady on this saddest of days.
Lady Gabriella Windsor
Lady Gabriella Windsor, the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, looked sombre in a flattering coat and wide-brimmed hat as she entered the emotional service.
Princess Michael of Kent
Princess Michael of Kent and the Duchess of Kent shared a love of the Catholic church, with the day likely an emotional one for the princess.
Lord Downpatrick
As he left the funeral, the Duke of Kent was supported by his grandson, Lord Downpatrick, who steadied the older royal as they descended the steps.
King Charles III
King of the United Kingdom and son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
The Prince of Wales
Prince William is the heir apparent to the British throne and the elder son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana.
The Princess of Wales
Princess Kate is a member of the British royal family and wife of Prince William.
Princess Anne
Member of the British royal family and the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Timothy Laurence
British retired Royal Navy officer and husband of Princess Anne.
Duke of York
Prince Andrew is a member of the British royal family and the third child and second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Duchess of York
Sarah Ferguson is the former wife of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and a member of the extended British royal family.
Duchess Sophie
Member of the British royal family and wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh.
Duke of Gloucester
Prince Richard is a member of the British royal family and the second son of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester.
Duchess of Gloucester
Birgitte is a Danish-born member of the British royal family and wife of Prince Richard.
The Duke of Kent
Prince Edward is the elder son of Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, and the husband of the late Katharine, Duchess of Kent.
Princess Alexandra
Member of the British royal family and only daughter of Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark.
Flora Alexandra Ogilvy
Granddaughter of Princess Alexandra and cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Lady Frederick Windsor
Also known as Sophie Winkleman, she is a British actress and wife of Lord Frederick Windsor.
Lord Frederick Windsor
Member of the British royal family and only son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
Lady Gabriella Kingston
Member of the British royal family and daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Also known as Ella Windsor.
Prince Michael of Kent
Member of the British royal family and husband of Princess Michael of Kent.
Princess Michael of Kent
Member of the British royal family and wife of Prince Michael of Kent, grandson of King George V.
Countess Mountbatten of Burma
Penelope Knatchbull is a British aristocrat and wife of Norton Knatchbull, 3rd Earl Mountbatten of Burma.
The Earl of Snowdon
David Armstrong-Jones is a member of the British royal family and the only son of Antony Armstrong-Jones, the Earl of Snowdon, and Princess Margaret.
7th Earl of Rosslyn
Peter St Clair-Erskine is a Scottish peer and police officer who is Lord Steward of the Royal Household and Personal Secretary to Their Majesties.
Lady Helen Rosslyn
Wife of Peter St Clair-Erskine, 7th Earl of Rosslyn.
Sir Clive Alderton
Private Secretary to King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Jeffrey Archer
Novelist and former politician for Lincolnshire from 1969 to 1974.
Jackie Stewart
Former British racing driver, broadcaster, and motorsport executive who competed in Formula One from 1965 to 1973.
Lady Susan Hussey
British noblewoman who served as Woman of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II and is a Lady of the Household under King Charles III.
Rula Lenska
British actress known for her roles in Coronation Street and Queen Kong.
Maureen Lipman
Acclaimed British actress, best known for starring in Educating Rita. She was made a Dame in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours.
See our live blog for further updates from the funeral...