Pope Leo XIV sent a message to King Charles that was read during the first royal Catholic funeral in modern history. His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, delivered the pontiff's words on Tuesday at the Requiem Mass for the Duchess of Kent.
"I was saddened to learn of the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent, and I send heartfelt condolences, together with the assurance of my prayerful closeness, to Your Majesty, the Members of the Royal Family, and especially to her husband, The Duke of Kent, and their children and grandchildren at this time of sorrow," Pope Leo said in his telegram.
"Entrusting her noble soul to the mercy of our Heavenly Father, I readily associate myself with all those offering thanksgiving to Almighty God for The Duchess’s legacy of Christian goodness, seen in her many years of dedication to official duties, patronage of charities, and devoted care for vulnerable people in society," His Holiness continued. "To all who mourn her loss, in the sure hope of the Resurrection, I willingly impart my apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in the Risen Lord.”
In 1994, the Duchess of Kent became the first member of the British royal family to convert to Catholicism in more than 300 years. As a Roman Catholic, it was the Duchess' wish to have her funeral at Westminster Cathedral. King Charles, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Andrew and more members of the royal family joined the Duke of Kent, his children — George, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen Taylor and Lord Nicholas Windsor — and his grandchildren at the service on Sept. 16.
After the mass, the Duchess' coffin was taken to the royal burial ground at Frogmore, Windsor. Buckingham Palace announced the passing of the Duke of Kent's wife on Sept. 5.
"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 palace said in a statement. "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."
Prince William and Catherine also shared a personal message following the Duchess' death. "Our thoughts today are with The Duke of Kent and his family, particularly George, Helen and Nicholas. The Duchess worked tirelessly to help others and supported many causes, including through her love of music," the Prince and Princess of Wales said. "She will be a much missed member of the family."