The Duke of Kent, who is the cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, turns 91 today. This age is such an incredible milestone, and whilst he will be surrounded by friends and family seeking to celebrate, the royal may feel rather mournful after his agonising year.
The Duke's wife, Katharine, Duchess of Kent, passed away in September 2025. Last year he was forced to mark his 90th birthday without his wife, and now he sees another birthday where her loss will be felt.
© Getty ImagesA year after this heartbreak, the Duke is also grieving the loss of his private secretary, Nicholas Turnbull, who passed away on 16 September 2026 at the age of 63. Nicholas had served the Duke since 2019 and was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order by King Charles III just days before his death. He leaves behind two teenage sons, Alexander and Crispin.
Katharine and Edward's love story
© Getty ImagesKing George V's grandson Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, met Katharine in 1957 at a private party when he was serving with the Royal Scots Greys at Catterick. The couple wed in June 1961 with a fanfare of trumpets at York Minster. Princess Anne was the chief bridesmaid, while Princess Diana's older sister, Jane Fellowes, was also among the bridal party.
For many years, Katharine and the Duke led separate lives, but they chose not to divorce. Elizabeth II also gave the Duchess permission to drop her HRH style when she stepped away from the public spotlight.
It was reported that the Duke and Duchess were said to be closer than ever after Edward suffered a stroke in 2013, with Katharine moving back to their Wren House home.
© WPA PoolWhen Katharine passed away, the royals gathered to mourn her death. Led by King Charles, senior royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, paid their respects at what is now the first Catholic funeral held for a member of the royal family in modern history.
HELLO! understands that the Duke of Sussex sent condolences privately to the Duchess of Kent’s family, following her passing, rather than attending in person.
The Duke soldiers on
Despite his age and mobility challenges, the Duke - who is currently the oldest living member of the British royal family - continues to undertake select public engagements, recently attending a memorial concert in honour of his late wife alongside close family members.
