They are the loyal but often overlooked branch of the House of Windsor. The Kents continue to play an important, if sometimes silent, role within the Royal Family. And 2024 was no different. While true tragedy hit the headlines, the royal cousins who have long supported the Crown kept on with their duty, led by a prince called Edward who has been a royal duke for over 80 years. The past year has been another of discreet duty for the Kents.
A tragic loss
In February 2024, Thomas Kingston was found dead at his parents’ home. His wife, Lady Gabriella Kingston, led tributes to him – they married in 2019 at Windsor. A coroner later said that a change in anti depressive medication may have contributed to Thomas Kingston’s death from a self inflicted gun shot wound.
The Royal Family rallied round Lady Gabriella who was a guest of honour of The King at Royal Ascot in June. The Princess of Wales asked Lady Gabriella, a musician and writer, to assist her in organising this year’s Together at Christmas concert and the two worked on the service together.
The loyal duke
The Duke of Kent continued to carry out a range of engagements for The King and Royal Family throughout the year. Many go unreported but in June 2024, Prince Edward was front and centre as he made his way to Trooping the Colour in the lead carriage with the Duchess of Edinburgh.
The Duke of Kent, who served in the Army for many years, used to accompany Queen Elizabeth II on the dais at Trooping after Prince Philip retired and was at her side for the Platinum Jubilee Birthday Parade. In June 2024, he also appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony, a reminder that the man whose been a royal duke for over 80 years continues an active public role.
And he was celebrated with a special military musical moment on his 89th birthday in October with the Duchess of Kent making a rare appearance at the celebration.
Brothers together
The Duke of Kent and his younger brother, Prince Michael, came together to pay tribute to one of Britain’s most famous sports stars early in 2024.
Prince Michael makes few official appearances now but he was at the Duke of Kent’s side for a service at Westminster Abbey paying tribute to legendary racing driver, Sir Stirling Moss.
A worrying end to the year
Princess Michael of Kent had a shock for those photographing her on her arrival at The King’s Christmas party for his royal relations at Buckingham Palace in December.
The princess, about to turn 80, revealed that she had broken both her wrists in a fall at her home in Kensington Palace. Although on the mend, she said that the casts she had to wear had proved to make life difficult and she was looking forward to being free of them again.
Looking ahead to a year of milestones
The Duke of Kent carried out over 60 royal engagements in 2024 and will look to do at least the same in 2025 – the year he turns 90.
Prince Edward’s contribution to royal life has been consistent and constructive and he continues to show support for a range of organisations including the RNLI and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. His work has always been highly valued by his royal relations – expect plenty of tributes when he reaches 90 in October 2025.
