Imagine this: a 90-year-old royal, still grieving the loss of his wife, steps into a somber cathedral to honor a fallen military hero. That gripping scene unfolded as the Duke of Kent joined mourners at the funeral requiem mass for Field Marshal Lord Guthrie at Westminster Cathedral on Wednesday. But here's where it gets deeply personal – just weeks earlier, the Duke had said an emotional goodbye to his beloved Duchess of Kent at the same Catholic shrine, a farewell captured in heartfelt photos that showed him supporting grief-stricken family members.
For those new to the intricacies of British royalty, the Duke of Kent, whose full name is Prince Edward, is a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, making him part of the extended royal family tree. Dressed in a respectful black suit, he sat among the congregation alongside notable figures like Andrew Parker Bowles – the former husband of Queen Camilla, the current Queen Consort – a retired British army officer; Debbie Jevans, a former tennis player who once represented Britain on the world stage; and Michael Portillo, a well-known ex-politician with a colorful career in public life.
The man at the center of this tribute, Charles Ronald Llewelyn Guthrie, passed away on September 18 at the age of 86. His military legacy is nothing short of extraordinary, having climbed to the highest echelons of the UK's Armed Forces. From 1994 to 1997, he served as Chief of the General Staff, overseeing the army's day-to-day operations, and then as Chief of the Defence Staff from 1997 to 2001, where he led the entire defense establishment. And this is the part most people miss – even after retiring from those top roles, Guthrie stayed deeply involved, acting as Colonel Commandant of the Special Air Service from 2001 to 2010, Colonel of The Life Guards from 1998 to 2019, and Gold Stick in Waiting to the late Queen from 1999 to 2019. To put that in simple terms, the Gold Stick in Waiting is a ceremonial bodyguard position close to the monarch, symbolizing honor and protection.
Guthrie's personal life was rooted in military tradition too; he married Catherine Worrall in 1971, the daughter of a Coldstream Guards colonel, and together they had two sons, David and Andrew. Tragically, Catherine passed away in 2022, leaving behind a family that continues to mourn her. As for the Duke of Kent, he hung up his army uniform as a Lieutenant-Colonel in 1976 to devote himself fully to royal responsibilities, yet his ties to the military remain strong. Though he hasn't officially stepped away from public life, he's eased back on his engagements in recent years – a common adjustment for someone in his nineties.
And this is where things get a tad controversial: at 90, the Duke's active role in royal duties raises eyebrows. Some admire his dedication, seeing it as a testament to lifelong service, while others wonder if it's time for younger royals to take over to keep the monarchy fresh and relevant. Last week, on October 9, he celebrated his milestone birthday, with the royal family flooding social media with messages and a rare photo of him with King Charles at Buckingham Palace post-coronation. Pictures from his birthday bash at Ognisko Polskie in South Kensington showed a more intimate gathering, including his brother, Prince Michael of Kent, highlighting how these events blend public pomp with private warmth.
Speaking of royal buzz, don't miss these latest updates: Princesses Kate and Rajwa dazzled in sleek business-chic outfits during a royal reunion; Crown Prince Christian turned 20 and was snapped at his royal residence; and a lioness – wait, not just any lioness, but the footballer Lucy Bronze – shared a cute tale of a gift Prince William gave to Princess Charlotte.
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But let's spark a debate: Do you think aging royals like the Duke should remain in the spotlight, or is it better for the monarchy to embrace new faces? And what about the coincidences in attendees, like Andrew Parker Bowles' past with Queen Camilla – pure coincidence or something more? Share your opinions in the comments; we'd love to hear your take!
