“The King and Queen and all members of the Royal Family join the Duke of Kent, his children and grandchildren in mourning their loss and remembering fondly the duchess’s life-long devotion to all the organisations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people,” the Palace said.

According to the BBC, the Duchess was a devoted music lover, supporting charities and even teaching music at a primary school. There, pupils had no idea of her royal status, and she was simply known as “Mrs Kent.”

Many will remember the Duchess from her frequent appearances at Wimbledon, where she could be seen watching the tennis matches and presenting prizes on the court.

Joined the Royal Family in 1961

Born Katharine Worsley into an aristocratic land-owning family in Yorkshire, she joined the Royal Family in 1961 when she married Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, a grandson of King George V. Surprisingly, Worsley didn’t receive a formal education until she was 10, yet she quickly adapted to royal life.

Princess Anne served as one of the bridesmaids at Katharine and Edward’s wedding in York Minster, while the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles were among the congregation.