King Charles made history by becoming the first British monarch in nearly four centuries to attend a Roman Catholic funeral. He joined his family for a requiem mass honoring the Duchess of Kent, Katharine Worsley, the wife of the late Queen Elizabeth’s cousin. The duchess, who married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in 1961, passed away on September 4 at the age of 92.

Widely recognized for her long-standing association with the Wimbledon tennis tournament—where she helped present trophies from 1969—she also made headlines in 1994 when she converted to Roman Catholicism, becoming the first British royal to do so since King Charles II, who converted on his deathbed in 1685.

By attending the funeral at Westminster Cathedral in London, conducted by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Charles, as Supreme Governor of the Protestant Church of England, broke with centuries of royal tradition. Prince William and his wife, Kate, were also present, while Queen Camilla was unable to attend due to recovery from acute sinusitis.

Catherine Pepinster, former editor of the Catholic weekly The Tablet, described the event as “of great historical significance” and “a huge step forward in ecumenical relations.” Following the service, the duchess’ coffin was scheduled for burial at Frogmore, within the royal estate near Windsor Castle, which is set to host US President Donald Trump for a state visit starting Wednesday. King Charles has long emphasized his commitment to protecting all faiths, and he and Camilla were among the last official visitors to meet Pope Francis before his death in April. Pope Leo XIV expressed his sorrow over the duchess’ passing in a message to the king, which was read during the funeral service.