Princess Alexandra was unable to attend a concert held in memory of her late sister-in-law, Katharine, Duchess of Kent, despite initial reports stating her presence. The event, which celebrated the legacy of the charity Future Talent co-founded by the Duchess, took place on Sunday at Sinfonia Hall in Westminster.

The Court Circular, the official record of royal engagements, initially indicated that Princess Alexandra attended the performance by students and alumni of Future Talent. However, a source close to the matter later confirmed that the princess withdrew at the last minute due to health reasons. Alexandra, who will turn 90 on Christmas Day, has been noticeably less active in public engagements in recent months. Her most recent appearance was nearly six months ago at a Buckingham Palace reception commemorating the centenary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth, her first cousin.

The concert was attended by several members of the Royal Family, including Alexandra’s brothers, the Duke of Kent, aged 90, and Prince Michael of Kent, 84. Other family members present were Lady Helen Taylor and Lord Nicholas Windsor, children of the Duke and Duchess of Kent, as well as their nephew Lord Freddie Windsor and his wife, actress Sophie Winkleman.

Nicholas Robinson, co-founder of Future Talent, expressed his appreciation for the royal family’s attendance, describing it as an honor to celebrate the lasting musical impact Katharine, Duchess of Kent, made through the charity.

Princess Alexandra’s absence has raised concerns about her health, coming amid a period of reduced public appearances for the queen’s last surviving bridesmaid. However, details regarding her medical condition have not been disclosed. The concert itself aimed to highlight the achievements of Future Talent and the charitable work sustained by Katharine’s legacy.