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Royal News

Pope Leo’s message of condolence on death of Duchess of Kent read at royal funeral

By
16th September 2025
Pope Leo XIV

The Pope has sent a message of condolence which was read at the funeral of the Duchess of Kent.

Katharine, who died on September 4 at the age of 92, converted to Catholicism in 1994.

Pope Leo XIV sent the message to King Charles who was present at the funeral of the Duchess which took place at Westminster Cathedral.

The Pope said ‘’ I was saddened to learn of the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent, and I send heartfelt condolences, together with the assurance of my prayerful closeness, to Your Majesty, the Members of the Royal Family, and especially to her husband, The Duke of Kent, and their children and grandchildren at this time of sorrow.’’

His Holiness continued ‘’ Entrusting her noble soul to the mercy of our Heavenly Father, I readily associate myself with all those offering thanksgiving to Almighty God for The Duchess’s legacy of Christian goodness, seen in her many years of dedication to official duties, patronage of charities, and devoted care for vulnerable people in society. To all who mourn her loss, in the sure hope of the Resurrection, I willingly impart my apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in the Risen Lord.’’

The message was read by His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain during the Requiem Mass for the Duchess of Kent which took place at Westminster Cathedral on September 16 2025.

The Duchess of Kent chose to become part of the Catholic church after a long period of reflection and after consultation with Queen Elizabeth II.

For centuries, Catholics have been barred from the British throne. Marriage to a Catholic also meant that a royal would have to give up their place in the line of succession. It was decided that as Katharine was an Anglican when she married the Duke of Kent, he would keep his place.

The Duchess of Kent was devout in her faith and this message was a special tribute.

Her funeral is the first Catholic funeral for a senior royal attended publicly by the Monarch in over 300 years.

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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.