We are very sorry to learn that the Duchess of Kent has died at the age of 92.
She passed away peacefully on Thursday night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.
Katharine was the oldest member of the Royal Family and was married to Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Following a diagnosis of ME, as a result of catching an Epstein Barr viral infection back in the 1996, the MEA was approached by St James's Palace to provide information and support.
The Duke of Kent kindly agreed to become a Patron of the MEA – where he has been of enormous help with a number of research and management initiatives over the years.
Our thoughts are with the family today.
Dr Charles Shepherd,
Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association,
Member of the 2018-2021 NICE guideline on ME/CFS committee,
Member of the 2002 Chief Medical Officer's Working Group on ME/CFS
Media Coverage:
The Independent: The duchess who retreated from royal spotlight for low-key life as a teacher | Sept 5, 2025
BBC News: The Duchess of Kent dies aged 92 | Sept 5, 2025