Derwen College is deeply saddened to learn of the death of HRH Katharine, Duchess of Kent, who passed away at Kensington Palace on 4 September 2025, aged 92.
Her death was announced by Buckingham Palace today (5 September).
The Duchess became Royal Patron of Derwen College in May 1969, continuing a proud tradition of royal support for the College. She followed in the footsteps of her future mother-in-law, Marina, Duchess of Kent, and the College’s first royal patron, Prince George, Duke of Kent.
She visited the college for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities seven times between 1970 and 1994.
Her Royal Highness last visited Derwen College in 1994. Students and staff turned out to welcome her, with a motorbike escort leading her car onto campus. Dressed in an elegant cream suit, she took time to speak with everyone, leaving a lasting impression with her warmth, grace, and genuine interest in the College’s work.
Derwen College Principal and CEO, Meryl Green, said: “The Derwen College community is saddened by the passing of HRH The Duchess of Kent. Her longstanding support meant a great deal to us and helped raise the profile of specialist education for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. We are proud to have had her as our Patron.”
Although the Duchess stepped back from public life in 2002, her impact and legacy continue to be felt at Derwen College.
The College is proud of its royal connections. In 2022, it was honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for promoting opportunity – an accolade held for five years. At the time, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner, delivered a personal letter of congratulations to the College from The Duchess of Kent.
Most recently, in March 2025, Derwen welcomed HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, who visited to celebrate the College’s work with students undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and to tour its unique, public-facing Marketplace, including a garden centre, charity shop, restaurant and café.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Duchess’s family at this time.