Katharine, Duchess of Kent was a frequent visitor to Leeds mainly thanks to her role as chancellor of the University of Leeds for three decades from 1966 to 1999. She was also a patron of Leeds International Pianoforte Competition - now the Leeds International Piano Competition - a role she held for some time after first becoming involved in 1975. These wonderful photos showcase her visits to the city down the years including Martin House Children’s Hospice in the early 2000s. The Yorkshire-born Duchess, who once took a job as a music teacher at a primary school Hull, died at the age of 92 in September 2025. READ MORE: Memories from when The Queen visited Leeds LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Duchess of Kent
Duchess of Kent pictured with her father, Colonel Sir William Arthington Worsley, 4th Baronet, after she had conferred on him the honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws at a ceremony at the Leeds Town Hall. Sir William died in December 1973. | YPN Photo: YPN
8. Duchess of Kent
The 17th Viscount Mountgarret, president of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, with HRH The Duchess of Kent. | YPN Photo: YPN
9. Duchess of Kent
The Duchess of Kent and cricket legend Fred Trueman share a joke in July 1993. | YPN Photo: YPN
10. Duchess of Kent
The Duchess of Kent pictured on a visit to Hunslet Boys Club in 1970. | YPN Photo: YPN
11. Duchess of Kent
Jon Kimura Parker kisses the Duchess of Kent during the Leeds International pianoforte competition. | YPN Photo: YPN
12. Duchess of Kent
The Duchess of Kent listens to Alison Brooks who is holding her baby Connor during a visit to Martin House Hospice near Boston Spa in September 2002 . | YPN Photo: YPN