She captured the hearts of the nation when she consoled Czech star Jana Novotna as she broke down in tears on Centre Court after losing to reigning champion Steffi Graf in 1993.

The Duchess died at Kensington Palace on Thursday night, surrounded by members of her family. She is survived by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and their three children.

Her sad passing was announced on social media by the Royal Family’s official Twitter account.

This afternoon a death notice was placed on the gates of Buckingham Palace, where the Union Flag was flown at half mast. In 1992 she famously converted to Catholicism, and is expected to have a Catholic funeral in a week’s time in accordance with her wishes.

‘It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent’, the