Council remembers HRH The Duchess of Kent
By Connor Steel
FAREHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL have expressed their “sadness” as they learnt of the passing of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent; whose death was announced by Buckingham Palace last Friday lunchtime (September 5) at the age of ninety-two years old and had a local link to this borough as she formally opened the ‘former’ Ferneham Hall site.
The Duchess, Katharine, was the oldest age member of the Royal Family and was married to Prince Edward (Duke of Kent), who is a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II. She was particularly known for her loves of tennis and music as well as being a supporter of many causes right up to her sad death late on Thursday evening at Kensington Palace.
She paid a visit to Fareham back on April 23, 1982 to open the Ferneham Hall building and saw multiple councillors on this day; the facility being very modern in this time and featured a seven hundred seater auditorium. It hosted over four decades of shows covering music, comedy and theatre before it was closed; this site now developed as Fareham Live.
The Royal Family have entered a “period of mourning” until the funeral, that will take place on September 16 (Tuesday) at Westminster Cathedral at 2pm. It is due to be the first Requiem mass for a Royal Family member in “modern history” and this service will be attended by the King and Queen; the coffin later being moved for burial at Frogmore in Windsor.
Readers can pay their own respects by signing the online book of condolences at www.royal.uk; whilst members of the public may wish to donate to one of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent’s patronages, a local, or personal charity. Details on Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent’s patronages and how the public may donate are available online.
Readers can read a full quote by council leader, Cllr Simon Martin, by clicking on this link and more information can be viewed on the council website; which has been re-designed recently and features details that are suitable for residents.
PICTURED BY ALAMY (3CJ5NR9): Notice announcing passing is placed outside Buckingham Palace gates on Friday.
