The Duchess of Kent, who died at the age of 92, spent more than a decade teaching music at Wansbeck Primary School in east Hull, keeping her identity a secret from children and parents. Known to the school community as 'Miss Kent', she dedicated herself to improving the musical education of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Sam Bullen, Executive Headteacher at Wansbeck Primary School, paid tribute: 'We are saddened to hear the news of the passing of The Duchess of Kent. Miss Kent was an inspiration to the children when she taught music here over many years. She was a dedicated teacher who taught music with passion and showed the most amazing commitment to our school. Her kindness, compassion and talent for teaching lives on in the children she impacted during her time here.'
The Duchess began teaching at Wansbeck after a royal visit in 1996, offering weekly 40-minute lessons and working with the school choir. 'I love those children, I loved being there, and I love east Hull,' she later said. 'I wouldn’t have stayed there for 13 years if I hadn’t.'
Former headteacher Ann Davies described her as an inspirational teacher who never got cross and always looked for the positive. The Duchess also rented a flat in London to teach piano lessons and co-founded the music charity Future Talent, which helps gifted children from low-income backgrounds.
