Hull school’s tributes to ‘lovely lass’ the Duchess of Kent

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Rebecca Naden/PA A woman with blonde hair and a green floral jacket is standing with a crowd of people behind her. She is looking into the distance.Rebecca Naden/PA

The Duchess of Kent taught music in a Hull primary school for a number of years

Former pupils at a Hull primary school have paid tribute to the Duchess of Kent following her death at the age 92.

She spent years teaching music to students at Wansbeck Primary School and was known as Mrs Kent to the children, who did not know she was a member of the Royal Family.

Sophie Usher sang in the choir organised by the Duchess and said that the music lessons encouraged her to attend school.

“She was a lovely lass, she was here, she was funny,” Ms Usher said.

“I did quite a lot with her through school and then when I was upset she used to talk to me.

“I can’t believe she’s gone, to be honest.”

Sophie Usher who has black shoulder length hair and is wearing a beige jacket and is standing in the street outside the school gates

Former pupil Sophie Usher said the music lessons encouraged her to go to school

Born into a wealthy Yorkshire family, Katharine Worsley married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, the cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, in 1961.

The Duchess offered to teach at the east Hull school after a visit in 1996.

Her work was kept secret for years, with her role only revealed in 2004.

Speaking at the time, she said: “Primary school children are like little sponges.

“They are very eager to learn, so teaching them is very satisfying.”

Jackson Windas wears a black wool hat and a blue hooded top he has a black beard. He is sitting in a play park with grass and houses behind him

Jackson Windas went on school trips to London organised by the Duchess

Another of the former choristers recalled performing at Christmas concerts and trips to London, organised by Mrs Kent.

Jackson Windas described her as a “really, really genuine woman”.

“She was more than a teacher, really,” he said.

“When we got told who she was, it didn’t change a thing.

“She was lovely.”

Head teacher Samantha Bullen, who has dark hair in a bun and wears glasses on her head and a dark jacket. She is standing in front of a green and yellow school noticeboard.

The school’s current head teacher Samantha Bullen said the Duchess was “committed” to her music teaching

The school’s current head teacher, Samantha Bullen, said staff had fond memories of working with the Duchess, who “became part of the community”.

“She’d go in the staff room, she’d make herself a cup of tea,” she said.

“She literally just was part of the team. She committed to it.

“It wasn’t just a couple of visits she did to our school, it was over many years that she came and she just was the music teacher, Mrs Kent.”

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