We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent, a cherished Patron of the Leeds International Piano Competition and a passionate supporter of music and young musicians.
HRH the Duchess of Kent first became involved with the Competition in 1975 and for many years presented the prizes at our Finals in Leeds Town Hall, offering warmth, dignity and encouragement to generations of young pianists at a defining moment in their careers. Her gracious presence brought a sense of occasion to the Competition, and her genuine love of music was felt by all who met her.
The Duchess’s deep commitment to the arts – and to Yorkshire – was evident in everything she did. Born Katharine Worsley of Hovingham Hall near York, she was Chancellor of the University of Leeds for over thirty years (1966–1999), and remained a familiar figure in the cultural life of the city long after. Her love of music was not just ceremonial: she was a long-time member of the Bach Choir, and, famously, in later life retrained as a music teacher, taking a job in a Hull primary school.
The Competition’s founder, Dame Fanny Waterman, recalled how the Duchess’s involvement elevated the profile of the Leeds finals, adding distinction and charm in equal measure. “She took a real interest in the competitors,” Fanny wrote, “and never failed to put them at ease.”
At Leeds, her empathy and delight in the achievements of young musicians shone through. She was the one who awarded the Gold Medal to Radu Lupu in 1969, in what became a landmark year for the Competition. Lupu, who had only just made it through the semi-finals thanks to the personal advocacy of Fanny Waterman, went on to become one of the most revered pianists of the 20th century. It was a poignant beginning to the Duchess’s long association with the Competition—one that set the tone for the years to follow.
In 1972, it was the Duchess who handed the First Prize to Murray Perahia, another exceptional young musician on the cusp of international renown. Years later, in a beautiful closing of the circle, Perahia would return to the Competition as its Patron, a role once held by the Duchess herself. His appointment in 2017 affirmed a legacy that she helped to shape—one of excellence, mentorship, and international opportunity.
Some of the Competition’s most endearing and unexpected moments also bear her signature. When Jon Kimura Parker won in 1984, he bounded up to hug and kiss Fanny Waterman in joy. The Duchess, standing beside her, leaned in with a smile and said, “And may I have one too?”—receiving a kiss on both cheeks from the exuberant Canadian. The tabloids had a field day, running headlines like “Brahms and Kissed!”, but the Duchess took it all in stride, her sense of humour and generosity of spirit always intact.
Her empathy, elegance, and deep humanity left an indelible mark not only on the Competition but on all who encountered her. She brought with her a quiet grace that reflected the very best of public service – never seeking the spotlight, but always using her role to uplift others.
We remain profoundly grateful for her years of support, and we extend our condolences to her family at this time. HRH The Duchess of Kent will always hold a special place in the history and heart of the Leeds International Piano Competition.