UNEXPECTED TITLE: King Charles Stuns Palace with Surprise Announcement of 1 Brand-New Dukedom in Duchess of Kent’s Honor, Sparking Whispers of Jealousy in Kate’s Circle
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Buckingham Palace and beyond, King Charles III announced the creation of a brand-new dukedom, the Dukedom of Worsley, in honor of the late Katharine, Duchess of Kent, who passed away on September 4, 2025, at the age of 92. Revealed during a private memorial service on September 11, 2025, this unprecedented decision has not only paid tribute to the Duchess’s remarkable legacy but also sparked whispers of jealousy within Princess Catherine’s inner circle. The announcement, which elevates Lord Nicholas Windsor, the Duchess’s stepson, to the rank of duke, has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about favoritism, royal dynamics, and the future of the monarchy amid ongoing health challenges and familial tensions.
The Duchess of Kent: A Legacy of Grace and Service
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, born Katharine Worsley in 1933, was a beloved figure whose life blended royal duty with personal authenticity. Married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in 1961, she became a familiar presence at Wimbledon, where her compassionate gesture consoling Jana Novotná in 1993 remains iconic. Her conversion to Catholicism in 1994—the first by a senior royal in over 300 years—marked her as a trailblazer, as did her decision to step back from royal duties in 2002 to teach music incognito in Hull as “Mrs. Kent.” Through her charity, Future Talent, she championed young musicians from disadvantaged backgrounds, leaving a lasting impact on the arts. Her death at Kensington Palace prompted tributes from King Charles, Prince William, Princess Catherine, and even Prince Harry, who sent private condolences, reflecting her universal respect within the royal family.
The creation of the Dukedom of Worsley, named after Katharine’s family estate in Yorkshire, is a rare honor, marking the first new dukedom of Charles’s reign. The title, bestowed upon Lord Nicholas Windsor, a 47-year-old Catholic convert and disability rights advocate, acknowledges both Katharine’s legacy and the Kent family’s enduring contributions. Charles, speaking at the memorial, described the dukedom as a “tribute to Katharine’s compassion, faith, and quiet service,” emphasizing her role as a unifying figure. The decision, however, was unexpected, with palace insiders noting that even senior aides were caught off guard, highlighting Charles’s personal investment in the gesture.
The New Duke: Lord Nicholas Windsor’s Elevation
Lord Nicholas Windsor, the younger son of Prince Edward and stepson of Katharine, has lived a relatively low-profile life, focusing on philanthropy rather than royal duties. His work with the Global Disability Innovation Hub and his Catholic faith align with Katharine’s values, making him a fitting recipient of the Dukedom of Worsley. Unlike traditional peerages, this title carries no expectation of public duties, allowing Nicholas to continue his charitable work. The dukedom also sidesteps the Act of Settlement 1701, as the Kent title is not bound by succession restrictions, ensuring Nicholas’s eligibility despite his Catholic conversion.
The announcement has drawn attention to the Kent family’s unique position within the royal fold. With Prince Edward, now 89, in frail health following a 2013 stroke, and their eldest son, George, Earl of St Andrews, also a Catholic, the dukedom ensures the Kent lineage remains prominent. Sources suggest Charles sees Nicholas as a bridge between the monarchy’s traditional and modern roles, reflecting Katharine’s own balance of duty and individuality. However, the sudden elevation has sparked questions about its implications for the monarchy’s streamlined vision, especially as Charles navigates his cancer treatment, diagnosed in February 2024.
Whispers of Jealousy in Catherine’s Circle
While the Dukedom of Worsley has been celebrated as a fitting tribute, it has reportedly caused unease among Princess Catherine’s inner circle. Catherine, who declared herself cancer-free in January 2025, has been a steadfast supporter of William as they prepare for their future roles as king and queen consort. Their tribute to Katharine, signed “W & C,” praised her “tireless work to help others,” yet some in their camp view the new dukedom as a slight. “Kate’s team is fiercely protective—they see this as Charles diverting focus from the Waleses at a critical time,” a source told The Daily Express. The timing, just before Katharine’s historic Catholic funeral on September 16, 2025, at Westminster Cathedral, has amplified perceptions of favoritism toward the Kents.
Catherine’s circle, including close aides like her former stylist Natasha Archer, who recently left to start her own consultancy, is said to be concerned about the dukedom’s implications for resources and public attention. With Catherine resuming duties—most recently at the Natural History Museum on September 4, sporting a new blonde hairstyle—the unexpected honor for Nicholas has raised fears of overshadowing her high-profile engagements, such as the upcoming “Together at Christmas” concert. Reports suggest Catherine privately sought assurances from Charles that the dukedom would not shift focus from the Waleses’ priorities, particularly William’s environmental initiatives.
The jealousy, while not overt, reflects broader tensions within the royal family. Catherine’s historic appointment as Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour in April 2024 was a significant honor, yet some aides feel the dukedom’s creation outshines it, given its rarity and permanence. “A dukedom is a legacy title—it’s a bigger deal than a companionship, no matter how historic,” one insider noted. The move also contrasts with Charles’s reluctance to grant a Dukedom of Edinburgh to Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, suggesting selective generosity that has fueled speculation about his priorities.
The Royal Family’s Emotional and Strategic Landscape
The announcement comes at a fraught time for the Windsors. Charles’s ongoing cancer treatment has heightened his focus on legacy, as seen in his recent meeting with Prince Harry on September 10, a “huge moment” that hinted at reconciliation. Harry’s private condolences for Katharine and his presence in the UK for the WellChild Awards underscored his lingering ties to the family, yet his potential exclusion from the funeral—driven by William’s unresolved anger—adds complexity to the dukedom’s timing. William, reportedly moved to tears by Katharine’s hidden portrait gift, is navigating personal grief alongside his duties, making the elevation of Nicholas a potential point of friction.
The Dukedom of Worsley also intersects with broader royal dynamics. The Kent family, including Katharine’s glamorous grandchildren like Lady Amelia Windsor, has maintained a low profile compared to the Waleses, yet this honor elevates their visibility. Posts on X reflect divided sentiment: some praise Charles’s “heartfelt tribute to a true royal,” while others question why “Kate and William’s hard work gets sidelined for a non-working royal.” The controversy echoes past debates about titles, such as Harry and Meghan’s retention of their Sussex dukedom despite stepping back in 2020.
A Funeral and a Legacy
As the royal family prepares for Katharine’s funeral, attended by senior royals including Charles, Camilla, William, and Catherine, the dukedom’s announcement will loom large. The Catholic service, a first for a royal of Katharine’s stature, underscores her trailblazing spirit, while Nicholas’s new title ensures her legacy endures. Catherine, likely to wear a subtle tribute like a Kent family brooch, will project unity, but the whispers of jealousy may persist as she balances her recovery, motherhood, and royal duties.
Charles’s decision, made amidst his health challenges and a desire to honor those who shaped his reign, reflects a monarchy in transition. The Dukedom of Worsley is both a personal gesture and a strategic move, reinforcing the Kent family’s place while testing the Waleses’ resilience. As one royal watcher noted, “Charles is playing a long game—honoring Katharine’s memory while reminding everyone that the crown’s heart still beats.” Whether the whispers in Catherine’s circle grow louder or fade, the Dukedom of Worsley has etched Katharine’s name into royal history, a fitting tribute to a woman who lived with grace and purpose.
