At the start of her Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II was very certain who she wanted at her side. Her heirs would get their own moment in the spotlight but as the world turned its gaze upon the longest reigning Monarch in British history at this special time in her epic rule, she asked a loyal and special cousin to accompany her. The Duke of Kent’s starring role at the Jubilee celebrations was a fitting tribute to a man whose service has endured as long as Elizabeth II’s reign.
The Duke of Kent was never one to seek the headlines so his leading role on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as Queen Elizabeth II made her first Jubilee appearance wasn’t one he hankered for. But his loyalty to his Monarch and to the Armed Forces made it a must. He stood by his cousin as they took the salute at this most special of Trooping the Colours. But Edward, Duke of Kent had been at Elizabeth II’s side whenever she needed him.
His 2022 had followed a pattern similar to many years before it. The Duke of Kent carries out a wide range of engagements in support of the Monarchy while his steadfast commitment to the Army remains a constant.
However, some things had changed. The year before he had stood aside from a role that meant a lot to him. He had been President of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club for decades, taking over from his own beloved mother, Princess Marina. For years, he had presented the trophies at the end of Wimbledon. But times move on and he handed the role over to the now Princess of Wales in 2021.
He’d also written a book. Despite his reserve, the Duke put his memories to paper in a tome written alongside Hugo Vickers. ‘A Royal Life’ was a discreet but fascinating insight into a story that might have ended very differently. At the time of the Abdication, there were rumours that the Duke’s father, George, could take the Crown. He was a glamourous, confident prince with a male heir while the next in line was a shy man with only daughters. But George remained a royal duke while that brother became George VI. Edward, the possible heir, took the path of cousin to the Crown.
It was a role that was evident throughout 2022. The Duke of Kent appeared again on the balcony with other working members of the Royal Family that first Jubilee day while he was also at St. Paul’s Cathedral to give thanks for the long reign of Elizabeth II as the weekend went on. His loyalty never went unnoticed while their friendship remained strong to the end of Her Late Majesty’s long life.
There is no doubt that the grief the Duke of Kent felt at the loss of his cousin was immense. And yet, less than 48 hours later, he sat under a grey sky at St. James’ Palace to hear the proclamation of King Charles III. Loyalty to the Crown remained all.
Edward, Duke of Kent is now 87 years old but he remains a working member of the Royal Family. He will continue to carry out duties for King Charles III as this new reign begins. Now the eldest surviving grandchild of King George V and Queen Mary, the lesson of loyalty taught by them remains at the core of the Duke of Kent’s royal life.
