Details of the engagement of the Duke of Kent to Miss
Katherine Worsley were announced from Kensington Palace on March 8, 1961,
and the couple were married on June 8 in the same year.
The Duke of Kent, son of the late Prince George and Princess Marina, Duchess
of Kent, succeeded to the Duchy in 1942 at the age of six after his father
s death in a flying accident. He was educated at Eton and at Le Rosay,
Switzerland and decided to make his career in the Army and entered Sandhurst
in 1953. He was promoted to captain in 1960.
Miss Katherine Worsley was the daughter of Sir William Worsley, Lord-Lieutenant
of the North Riding of Yorkshire, and of Lady Worsley of Hovingham Hall
Yorkshire. She was an accomplished pianist and was fond of riding and
country pursuits.
The wedding took place in York Minster, conducted by Dr. Ramsey, Archbishop
of York. It was the first royal wedding in York Minster since Edward III
married Philippa of Hainault there in 1328. After the marriage the couple
planned to live at Coppins, Iver, Buckinghamshire, which had been the
property of the Duke since he came of age and which was bequeathed to
him by his father.
The ‘Wedding Number', published on June 17, 1961
(Appendix List No. 164) illustrates the
marriage ceremony in the greatest detail together with the reception at
Hovingham Hall and their send
off for the first part of their honeymoon at Birkhall
in Aberdeenshire. A four page photolithographic section drawn by Dennis
Flanders details the main architectural features of York Minster.
The coloured cover is dominated by a photographic study of the bride and
groom. A narrow band of green with a pattern of white orange blossom frames
the central area.
This is issue number 6359, vol. 238, pages 1005-1052, measuring 37 x 26cm
and priced at two shillings and sixpence.