The Duchess of Kent’s coffin has been brought to Westminster Cathedral ahead of her funeral.
The Duke of Kent, leaning on the arm of his daughter, Lady Helen Taylor, bowed his head as the bearer party approached the Cathedral carrying the coffin of his wife of over 60 years.
The Duchess’ immediate family gathered at the Cathedral on the afternoon of September 15 as her coffin, covered in the Royal Standard, was received ahead of her funeral which is set to take place on September 16.
The Rite of Reception and the Vespers which followed were a private service.
Ahead of that, people had gathered to pay their own tribute as the Duchess of Kent left her home of Kensington Palace for the final time.
A lone piper from the Royal Dragoon Guards played a solemn lament as he walked slowly in front of the Royal Hearse as this last journey began.
He stopped by the gates, adorned with a royal crest, to continue playing as the Royal Hearse drove into the streets of London. A large wreath of white and pink flowers sat on top of the coffin.
Behind followed a car, thought to be carrying the Duke of Kent, and a minibus in which most of the Duchess’ immediate family travelled to Westminster Cathedral.
As the Royal Hearse approached the main steps of the Cathedral, the Duke of Kent led his family towards the door to watch as the coffin was carried in.
The Bearer Party was made up of members of the Royal Dragoon Guards – the Duchess of Kent was their Deputy Colonel-in-Chief.
The family watched solemnly as the coffin was carried up the stairs and several, including the Duke and his sons, George and Nicholas, bowed their heads.
The Duke of Kent was also supported by his sister, Princess Alexandra, who arrived in a wheelchair and his brother, Prince Michael of Kent and sister-in-law, Princess Michael of Kent. Their children, Lady Gabriella Kingston and Lord Frederick Windsor were also present.
The coffin of the Duchess of Kent will rest in the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The King and Queen will attend the funeral along with other members of the Royal Family.
