King Charles marked a historic moment today by attending a Roman Catholic requiem mass for the late Duchess of Kent, Katharine Worsley.
The service took place at Westminster Cathedral, drawing members of the royal family together to pay tribute.
This is the first time in nearly 400 years that a reigning British monarch has been present at a Catholic funeral.
Remembering Katharine Worsley
The Duchess passed away on September 4, 2025, at age 92. She married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in 1961, officially joining the royal family.
She was widely recognized for her connection to Wimbledon, where she presented trophies for decades, starting in 1969. In 1994, she became the first royal since King Charles II to convert to Roman Catholicism.
A Historic Step for the Monarchy
King Charles, who serves as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, broke tradition by attending the mass.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, led the service. Many see this as a sign of growing unity between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.
Who Attended the Service
Prince William and Princess Kate were present alongside the King. Queen Camilla was notably absent, as she is recovering from acute sinusitis.
Catherine Pepinster, former editor of The Tablet, called the moment “a huge step forward in ecumenical relations.”
Final Journey to Windsor
Following the service, the Duchess’s coffin was taken to Frogmore burial ground on the Windsor Castle estate.
Windsor is also preparing to host U.S. President Donald Trump for a state visit beginning Wednesday.
King Charles’ Dedication to Interfaith Relations
The King has repeatedly spoken of his commitment to supporting all faiths. Earlier this year, he and Queen Camilla visited Pope Francis shortly before his death in April 2025.
During the service, a message from Pope Leo XIV was read aloud, expressing condolences and honoring the Duchess’s memory.
