First UK Catholic royal funeral in centuries set for next week

The service is thought to be the first Catholic funeral for a member of the Royal Family to take place in the United Kingdom since the Reformation.

The Duchess of Kent, who liked to be known as Katherine Kent, died on September 4, aged 92. She had converted to the Catholic faith in 1994, becoming the first royal to do so since Charles II’s deathbed conversion in 1685. Charles II received Catholic last rites but had an Anglican funeral, which was a subdued affair, possibly due to his conversion.

The funeral for the Duchess will be held on Tuesday, September 16, with Cardinal Vincent Nichols leading the liturgy. Alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Duke of Kent and the Prince and Princess of Wales are among those expected to attend.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said the Duchess died peacefully at her Kensington Palace home surrounded by her family.

“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’ lifelong devotion to all the organisations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people,” the statement read.

Her journey to the Catholic faith was born out of considerable personal loss and suffering. With her husband, Edward, Duke of Kent, the family had three children, but a fourth was aborted on medical advice and in 1977 a fifth died at birth.

She later said that during the subsequent period of her life, which included a seven-week stay in hospital with what officials called “nervous exhaustion”, she suffered “acute depression”. She turned to her faith, making the first of several regular visits to the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham with the then-Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie.

She announced her intention to join the Catholic Church in January 1994, after consulting the Queen and receiving instruction from Fr Daniel Cronin at Westminster Cathedral. The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Basil Hume, received her into the Church in a private service in Archbishop’s House.

FULL STORY

Duchess of Kent to have first royal Catholic funeral in the UK since the Reformation (Catholic Herald)

Duchess of Kent, first senior royal to become Catholic in 300 years, dies at 92 (CNA)

Palace announces death of Catholic-convert Duchess of Kent (The Tablet)

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