Duchess of Kent’s coffin taken to Westminster Cathedral

The Duchess of Kent’s coffin was transported to Westminster Cathedral ahead of her funeral on 16 September in London.

The Duchess’s coffin, with the royal standard draped over it, was taken from Kensington Palace to Westminster Cathedral on the eve of her funeral.

A private vigil with the Rite of Reception and Vespers for the Dead was held for the late royal with her immediate family in attendance at the cathedral.

A Piper from The Royal Dragoon Guards led the hearse; Her Royal Highness was the Deputy Colonel-in-Chief from 1992.

Her coffin will stay in the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary overnight. The Cross and a Book of the Gospels were placed on top after the vigil.

A Requiem Mass, a Catholic funeral service, will take place this afternoon. The Duchess was a devout Catholic and converted to the denomination in 1994.

The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster and Cardinal Vincent Nichols will lead the service. Bishop James Curry, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, and the Dean of Windsor will assist.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to attend.

She will be buried in the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore.

The Duchess of Kent, the wife of Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, died at Kensington Palace on 4 September at the age of 92. Her family was at her side.