The funeral of The Duchess of Kent - whose name was Katharine Worsley - took place today at Westminster Cathedral.
The Duchess of Kent's coffin left the private chapel at Kensington Palace where she lived with her husband, the Duke of Kent, who currently resides there, and traveled the short journey to Westminster Cathedral.
A piper from the Royal Dragoon Guards played as the hearse left the palace she called home. The Duchess of Kent was Deputy Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Dragoon Guards for over thirty years. She was transferred to Lady Chapel-Westminster Cathedral, where a private Vigil for the Deceased, the Rite of Reception, and Vespers took place. She rested there overnight ahead of the funeral service.
Her historic funeral at Westminster Cathedral marks the first royal Catholic Requiem Mass in modern British history. Her sustainable wicker coffin - crafted from English willow - served as a final nod to her environmental consciousness. The flowers that adorned her coffin were selected to tell the story of the Duchess's life.
The white roses that dominated the floral tribute serve as a nod to Yorkshire, the Duchess's birthplace, where the blooms have reigned as the county's symbol for centuries. The white rose of Yorkshire represents purity, virtue, and innocence.
The coffin of the Duchess of Kent is carried out of Westminster Cathedral
© Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images
The choice is even more meaningful when considered against the Duchess's groundbreaking 1994 conversion to Catholicism, making her the first member of the royal family to embrace the Catholic faith in over 300 years. In Catholic tradition, white roses symbolize the purity of the Virgin Mary, known as the "Mystical Rose of Heaven".
Beyond the Yorkshire roses, each flower in the arrangement functions as a chapter in Katharine's life story. Rosemary sprigs represent remembrance, which is fitting for a woman whose 64-year marriage to the Duke of Kent and decades of royal service left a mark on British society. The oak leaves symbolize strength, reflecting not just her personal resilience but also her passionate support for various charitable organizations throughout her life.
The jasmine blooms were chosen for their representation of amiability. Those who knew the Duchess often remarked on her genuine warmth and approachability, which made her beloved among both the public and her charitable causes.
The inclusion of yew sprigs from Hovingham Hall, the Worsley family home where young Katharine grew up, added the most personal touch. In ancient symbolism, yew represents eternal life. These evergreen branches, capable of living thousands of years, served as nature's promise that while earthly life may end, memory and influence endure.
The achillea flowers, representing healing and strength, spoke to Katharine's lifelong dedication to charitable work, particularly her patronage of organizations supporting children and music education. Even the seasonal September-blooming flowers symbolizing farewell, were deliberately chosen to mark this autumn goodbye with dignity and grace.
Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I always find it fascinating when there is so much meaning. All those flowers and plants, so much thought went into putting them together.
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