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The Duchess of Kent has died at the age of 92, Buckingham Palace has said.

Katharine - who became the oldest living member of the Royal Family when Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022 - was known for consoling Wimbledon finalists, notably a tearful Jana Novotna in 1993.

She dropped her HRH style, preferring to be known as Mrs Kent, and retreated from royal life to spend more than a decade teaching music at a primary school in Hull.

The palace said in a statement on Friday: "It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.

"Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, 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's life-long devotion to all the organisations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people."

The Union Flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect shortly after the duchess's death was announced. A formal framed announcement will be displayed on the palace railings.

Katharine, Duchess of Kent, dies aged 92 | UK News | Sky News