The Duchess of Kent was a music teacher for over a decade (Image: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
Katharine, The Duchess of Kent, passed away on Thursday night at Kensington Palace. At the age of 92, Katharine achieved plenty in her life, both during her time as a working royal - a role she fulfilled until 2002 - and as an under-the-radar music teacher.
While she may have been a member of the Royal Family, the duchess also had a passion for music, which resulted in her being a music teacher at Wansbeck Primary School in Kingston upon Hull for almost a decade. It was here that she was simply known as Mrs Kent, with not many knowing about her royal status. Following her sad death, the Express has spoken to those who have had their lives changed by the duchess.
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One of these people is 31-year-old Ashley Brown, who was taught by the duchess at primary school. Ashley, who still plays guitar now, told us “As a kid, I just knew her as Mrs Kent the music teacher. She had so much time for each and every student she taught and cared so much.
“The main thing was she gave everyone so much confidence including me who was a shy, quiet kid. She formed our choir and took us around the country to perform and gave us not just music lessons but life lessons. She had a heart of gold.
“My fondest memory is when she took me and a few other students to Cambridge to watch the King's College Choir. I had such a good experience. I got to see a more relaxed version of her and created memories for life!”
Ashley, who was about eight-years-old when he was taught by the duchess, said she made everyone feel like they could “do anything” and is “devastated” by her death.
The duchess founded Future Talent in 2004 (Image: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
He said: “The key two impacts she had on me is confidence and love for music. She made everyone feel like they could do anything and brought people out of their shell. I love music and I feel like it all stems from her. She loved music and it definitely brushed off onto me and began my journey through music.”
Another person who has nothing but praise for the late duchess is Christina Osterberg, whose son Ciaran Roberts-Osterberg, 26, was helped by the royal’s Future Talent charity. The duchess founded this charity in 2004, with the aim of helping those from less-privileged backgrounds achieve their full musical potential.
Christina, who met the duchess in Windsor Castle when her son performed with the Future Talent band, said the royal helped her autistic son achieve success in the music world, with Ciaran now a jazz musician, composer and producer.
Ciaran’s mum told the Express: “We met at Windsor Castle. Whilst chatting I thanked her for the work her charity did in ensuring young talents like my son had the opportunity to excel, progress and be recognised for their accomplishments. She responded that it was her ‘duty as a human being’."
The royal went by the name Mrs Kent in the classroom (Image: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
She continued: “In my opinion, some of the most important people in our lives end up being teachers. For their ability to inspire and encourage. I believe at her core Mrs Kent was one of the most incredible teachers, who just happened to be royal.”
Christina also said that the duchess was wearing a beautiful sequinned ball gown when they met, and “the most incredible pair of sparkly trainers”. She said: “We joked about them, and she said it was her way of keeping herself grounded! She talked to my son about why music was important to him, and what she believed he was capable of.”
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Ciaran also paid tribute to the duchess, saying he will “carry forward” her kindness. He said: “I was so sad to learn of the passing of the Duchess of Kent. I will never forget her kind words and actions. Her belief in me and other kids like me was inspiring. Her legacy of kindness is something I will carry forward. Her life was a celebration of what it is to be a great human being. Thank you Mrs Kent for helping me get started on my way.”
Ciaran is now a jazz musician and studied at the prestigious music school Berklee College of music in Boston, USA.
It was confirmed this weekend that the duchess’ funeral will take place on September 16 at Westminster Cathedral.
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