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Royal News

The Duchess of Kent’s family accompany her coffin to Westminster Cathedral

By
15th September 2025
The coffin of the Duchess of Kent is carried into Westminster Cathedral

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 Duke of Kent watches as the coffin of the Duchess of Kent is brought into Westminster Cathedral
Royal Family You Tube still/ fair use

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.

The coffin of the Duchess of Kent is carried by a bearer party of the Royal Dragoon Guard at Westminster Cathedral
Royal Family You Tube still/ fair use

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.

The Royal Hearse turns out of Kensington Palace carrying the coffin of the Duchess of Kent
Royal Family You Tube still/ fair use

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.

A bearer party of the Royal Dragoon Guards marches towards the Royal Hearse at Westminster Cathedral for the reception of the coffin of the Duchess of Kent
Royal Family You Tube still/ fair use

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.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra.Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024.June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station.June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.