Late Queen’s Cousin Suffers Another Heartbreaking Loss

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, is facing another painful loss just over a year after the death of his wife of more than six decades.

The late Queen Elizabeth II’s first cousin, who turned 91 on October 9, is mourning the death of his longtime private secretary, Nicholas Piers Turnbull.

Turnbull died on September 16 at age 63 after serving as the Duke’s private secretary since 2019. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been publicly disclosed.

The loss comes at a particularly poignant time for the Duke, whose wife, Katharine, Duchess of Kent, died in September 2025 at age 92.

Turnbull had become a familiar figure alongside Edward during the Duke’s later years, providing support at official engagements and assisting with his royal responsibilities.

The two were seen together as recently as July, when Turnbull accompanied the Duke to Wimbledon and joined him in the Royal Box.

In one of the final recognitions of Turnbull’s service, King Charles appointed him a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order. The appointment was dated September 14, just two days before Turnbull’s death, and publicly announced several days later.

The Royal Victorian Order is personally awarded by the monarch to recognize distinguished service to the sovereign or members of the Royal Family.

Turnbull is survived by his family, including his two sons, Alexander and Crispin.

His death adds to a difficult period for the Duke of Kent.

Edward and Katharine married at York Minster in 1961 and remained husband and wife for 64 years. Together they had three children: George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen Taylor and Lord Nicholas Windsor.

Katharine became known in later life for an unusually low-key approach to royal service, particularly her dedication to music education.

After stepping back from regular royal duties, she spent years teaching music and became especially interested in helping talented young musicians from families with limited financial resources.

In 2004, she helped establish Future Talent, a charity designed to provide mentoring, financial support and opportunities to young musicians who might otherwise struggle to pursue their abilities.

Her legacy was celebrated on September 27 at a special concert at Sinfonia Smith Square in London.

The Duke of Kent made a rare public appearance for the event and was joined by several members of his family, including his brother Prince Michael of Kent and the Duke and Duchess’s three children.

Lady Marina Windsor, Lady Amelia Windsor, Lord Frederick Windsor and actress Sophie Winkleman were among the other relatives in attendance.

More than 40 young musicians and alumni took part in the concert, including performers associated with the Future Talent Orchestra.

The program also included Destiny’s Journey, a composition by former Future Talent participant Sam Nutter honoring Katharine’s commitment to helping young musicians.

Broadcaster Alexander Armstrong hosted the evening, which focused on the Duchess’s passion for music and the people she helped during her lifetime.

Katharine’s commitment to the organization continued even after her death.

Probate records released this year showed that her estate was valued at approximately £1.43 million, or roughly $1.8 million depending on exchange rates at the time.

Her will included a £10,000 gift to Future Talent, while members of her family and godchildren were also named as beneficiaries.

Personal belongings including jewelry, furniture and household possessions were left to her husband under arrangements set out in the will.

Despite his age and a significantly reduced schedule, the Duke of Kent has continued to appear at selected royal events.

He has spent decades carrying out engagements on behalf of the monarchy and was a particularly familiar presence during the reign of his cousin Queen Elizabeth II.

Edward inherited the Duke of Kent title at just six years old following the death of his father, Prince George, in a wartime plane crash in 1942.

More than eight decades later, he remains one of the Royal Family’s longest-serving members.

Turnbull’s death now marks another significant personal loss for the Duke as he enters his 92nd year, little more than a year after saying goodbye to the woman who had been beside him for most of his adult life.