Princess Kate and King Charles’s close bond was clear during the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent.

Following the Catholic Requiem Mass at Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday, September 16, members of the Royal Family gathered on the cathedral steps as the Duchess’s coffin was placed into a hearse.

Before the King departed, Kate bid farewell with kisses on both cheeks and a brief curtsy, resting her hands gently on his shoulders. The gesture reflected the warm relationship between the 76-year-old monarch and his 43-year-old daughter-in-law.

A Relationship Built on Affection and Respect

King Charles has publicly expressed his fondness for Kate, calling her “my beloved daughter-in-law” during a state banquet in Kenya in October 2023. He also fondly remembered that it was in Kenya where Prince William proposed to her in 2010.

Their connection has strengthened further in recent years as both faced cancer diagnoses in 2024. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith noted to People that Charles “has always had a very good bond” with Kate.