Queen Camilla misses Duchess of Kent’s funeral due to illness

Queen Camilla was forced to withdraw from the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, on Tuesday after falling ill, Buckingham Palace confirmed. King Charles III and senior royals attended the requiem mass, bidding farewell to the duchess, who died on September 5 at the age of 92.

The service, held at Westminster Cathedral, marked the first Catholic funeral for a member of the British royal family in modern times. The Duchess of Kent converted to Catholicism in 1994.

Pope Leo XIV offered a tribute during the ceremony, describing the duchess’s faith and character as a “legacy of Christian goodness.”

Palace officials announced the queen’s absence only hours before the funeral, as preparations were underway for the arrival of US President Donald Trump on his state visit to the UK.

"With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon's Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis," a palace spokesperson said.

The 78-year-old queen is expected to resume duties alongside King Charles on Wednesday and Thursday, when they host President Trump for a series of official engagements.

Prince William and Princess Catherine joined the mourners, as did Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, who appeared alongside his former wife Sarah, Duchess of York.

Born Katharine Worsley into a Yorkshire aristocratic family, the Duchess of Kent was a gifted pianist, organist, and singer. She was admired for her long-standing association with Wimbledon and for her quiet dedication to teaching music at a primary school without revealing her royal identity.

She married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in 1961. Now 89, he remains an active member of the royal family and a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

According to the PA news agency, Camilla hopes to be well enough to carry out her full schedule during Trump’s visit. She and King Charles are due to formally welcome the US president and First Lady at Windsor Castle on Wednesday around midday.