Grieving Duke of Kent, 90, in mourning after his private secretary dies

The Duke Of Kent is mourning a tragic personal loss ahead of his birthday.

The late Queen's cousin Prince Edward, who turns 91 on Friday, is grieving the loss of Nicholas Turnbull, who died on 16 September aged 63.

He had been appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order by King Charles just two days earlier.

Nicholas started working for the Duke in 2019, according to reports, and joined him in the Royal Box at Wimbledon in July.

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He leaves behind his two children, Alexander, 17, and Crispin, 14.

The Duke of Kent has continued to attend occasional royal engagements following the death of his beloved wife, Katharine, Duchess of Kent, in September 2025.

Duke of Kent joins family to remember his wife Katharine

Last month, the Duke made a rare public appearance to attend a Future Talent concert in Sinfonia Smith Square in memory of his late wife.

He was supported by his brother, Prince Michael, and his three children, Lady Helen Taylor, the Earl of St Andrews, and Lord Nicholas Windsor.

Also present were Lady Marina and Lady Amelia Windsor, Lord Frederik Windsor, and Sophie Winkleman. 

The evening was hosted by Alexander Armstrong and included performances by more than 40 young musicians, including the Future Talent Orchestra. 

One piece, Destiny's Journey by Future Talent alumnus Sam Nutter, was especially written in the Duchess of Kent's honour.

"Katharine’s love of life, her love of music, but most particularly, her love of people in all their infinite variety," Alexander said as he introduced the evening.

The Duchess of Kent's will revealed

The Duchess of Kent left behind more than £1.4 million in her will – the majority of which is going to her children, it was revealed in July.

The sum of £1,433,696 will be shared among her relatives, while she also gave £10,000 to her charity, Future Talent, which supports young musicians from low-income backgrounds across the UK.

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Her personal possessions, such as jewellery, furniture, and homeware, went to her husband, but may be distributed.

The Duke of Kent is still a working member of the royal family and carries out engagements on behalf of the King, for example, appearing on the balcony at Trooping the Colour earlier this year.

He is the oldest living member of the British royal family and has scaled back public appearances due to his advancing age and mobility issues in recent years.