From Vanity Fair · Stephanie Bridger-Linning · · 2m
Duke of Kent Celebrates 91st Birthday Amid Family Losses
Duke of Kent marks 91st birthday after losing wife and private secretary.
In brief
Duke of Kent marks 91st birthday after losing wife and private secretary. Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, turns 91 while grieving the death of his wife Katharine and private secretary Nicholas Turnbull. Originally reported by Vanity Fair.
Duke of Kent turns 91
Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, turned 91 on October 9th.
Grieving recent losses
The Prince is also grieving the death of his private secretary, Nicholas Turnbull, who passed away in September.
Stalwart royal figure
Despite personal losses and advanced age, the Duke of Kent remains a stalwart of the royal family.
Active royal engagements
He can be found supporting the arts at his beloved Wigmore Hall, sitting in the royal box at Wimbledon, or celebrating the Scouts in Scotland.
Lifelong friendship with Queen Elizabeth II
This work ethic is typical of the royal, who embodies the same sense of tireless duty as his late cousin, Queen Elizabeth II, with whom he enjoyed a lifelong friendship.
Duke's quote on duty
He once said, 'I always felt I wanted to support her. That’s by far the most important thing in life.'
“I always felt I wanted to support her. That’s by far the most important thing in life.”
Duke's royal background
Born in 1935, the Duke of Kent is the eldest child of the late Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark.
Family tragedy in 1940
Prince George was killed in action while serving in the RAF during the Second World War.
Duke's early education
The young Duke of Kent was educated at Ludgrove, then Eton and later Le Rosey in Switzerland.
Coronation vow
At the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, he made a solemn vow to be his cousin's 'liege man of life and limb'.
Duchess of Kent's wedding
The Duchess of Kent married into the royal family in 1961, breaking a 600-year-old royal tradition.
Wedding venue choice
Katharine insisted they tie the knot in her home county of Yorkshire, at the historic York Minster.
Duke's charity work
The Duke of Kent is involved with over 140 different charities, organizations and professional bodies.
Duke's role at Wimbledon
He was president of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club for more than 50 years.
Duchess's death
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, died at the age of 92 on September 4th, 2025.
At a glance
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, turns 91 while grieving the death of his wife Katharine and private secretary Nicholas Turnbull.
