Pope Leo XIV sent a message to the Royal Family that was read out at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral this afternoon.
The statement was read by Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, during the Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent.
Katherine, Duchess of Kent, became the first senior member of the Royal Family to publicly convert to Catholicism since the Act of Settlement, which bars Catholics from the line of succession.
She converted in 1994 with Queen Elizabeth II’s permission, who saw it as a personal matter of faith.
Pope Leo XIV sent a message to the Royal Family that was read out at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral this afternoon.
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The Duchess of Kent died on September 4 at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.
The Pope said in his message: “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.
“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 Duchess of Kent died on September 4 at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.
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The Requiem Mass this afternoon was the first Catholic funeral service for a member of the monarchy since Westminster Cathedral’s construction in 1903.
The Requiem Mass was conducted by the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, with additional participation by Bishop James Curry, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, and the Dean of Windsor.
Buckingham Palace announced just hours before the funeral was due to begin that Queen Camilla would not be attending due to a health issue.
The Queen is recovering from acute sinusitis and is resting ahead of Donald Trump’s State Visit to the UK this week.
Buckingham Palace announced just hours before the funeral was due to begin that Queen Camilla would not be attending due to a health issue.
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The Duke of Kent has been informed of Camilla’s decision to miss the funeral and has sent his best wishes for a speedy recovery.
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The Duke of Kent has been informed of Camilla’s decision to miss the funeral and has sent his best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement released this afternoon: "With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis.
"Her thoughts and prayers will be with The Duke of Kent and all the family."
Following the Mass, the coffin will be taken by hearse to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor.
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