Today's historic funeral at Westminster Cathedral marks the first royal Catholic Requiem Mass in modern British history, with her sustainable wicker coffin—crafted from English willow—serving as a final nod to her environmental consciousness. The white roses that dominated the floral tribute serve as a nod to Yorkshire, the Duchess’s birthplace, where the blooms have reigned as the country’s symbol for centuries. Max Mumby/Indigo // Getty Images The coffin of the Duchess of Kent is carried out of Westminster Cathedral on September 16, 2025 in London, England. WPA Pool // Getty Images Flowers are delivered to Westminster Cathedral on the eve of the funeral of the Duchess of Kent. In ancient symbolism, yew represents eternal life—a particularly resonant choice for today's historic Catholic funeral, the first for a royal family member in modern British history.