Duchess of Kent leaves more than £1.4million in her will - with the bulk of her fortune going to her children

The Duchess of Kent has left more than £1.4 million in her will, with the majority of her fortune allocated to her three children. Probate documents filed this week show that Katharine, who passed away at the age of 92 on September 4 last year, divided her assets among her immediate family and several charitable causes. Katharine’s will, dated October 5, 2022, was signed under her name “Katharine Kent” and bears handwriting that appears unsteady. The document was witnessed by a personal assistant and an occupational therapist. The will outlines specific allocations, including a legacy of £10,000 to the charity Future Talent Musicians, which she founded in 2004 to support talented young musicians from disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, each of her nine godchildren received £5,000. Her personal belongings, such as jewelry, furniture, and household items, are set to be distributed by her husband, the Duke of Kent, following any instructions she might have left behind. The probate records indicate that her total estate amounted to £1,433,696 in the United Kingdom, with a final net value of £1,433,206 after settling debts and liabilities. The Duchess of Kent, who converted to Roman Catholicism in 1993, passed away peacefully at her residence, Wren Cottage in Kensington Palace, surrounded by family. She is survived by her husband, the Duke of Kent, and their three children: George Windsor, 64, who holds the title of Earl of St Andrews; Lady Helen Taylor, 62; and Lord Nicholas Windsor, 55. According to the will, the income generated from her family trust, the Worsley Settlement, is to be given to her husband during his lifetime. After his death, half of the remaining capital and income will go to her eldest son, the Earl of St Andrews, while a third will be allocated to her other son and one-sixth to her daughter. If any of her children predecease her, their shares will pass to their offspring. A portion of her estate, referred to as the residuary, is placed in trust for her children after all legal and funeral expenses have been settled. A specific bequest includes the interest in a property located in Edwardes Square, Kensington, which is to be inherited by her grandson, Edward Edmund Maximilian George Windsor, the Baron Downpatrick. Born Katharine Worsley in 1933, she was the youngest daughter of Sir William Worsley, a notable Yorkshire landowner and descendant of Oliver Cromwell, and his wife Joyce. Her early life included involvement in sports, as her father had previously captained the Yorkshire cricket team in the 1920s. The Duchess of Kent had largely withdrawn from formal royal duties by 2002, which likely contributed to the decision to make her will publicly accessible rather than keeping it confidential for the typical 90-year period observed for other senior royals. This transparency provides insight into how she chose to distribute her wealth and support various individuals and causes close to her heart. Her legacy extends beyond financial provisions, reflecting both her personal values and her commitment to supporting future generations through education and music. The distribution of her estate underscores the importance she placed on family ties and community service, ensuring that her influence continues through the lives of those she cared for.