Princess Alexandra Sparks Concern After Unexpected Absence From Royal Event
Princess Alexandra, the 89-year-old first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, sparked fresh concern after canceling her attendance at a memorial concert in London at the last minute. The unexpected absence from the event at Sinfonia Smith Square on Sunday, follows a six-month gap in public appearances, drawing renewed attention to the health and reduced public schedule of the senior royal as she approaches her 90th birthday.
Last-Minute Cancellation at Westminster Memorial Concert
The unexpected withdrawal occurred on the evening of Sunday. Princess Alexandra had been scheduled to attend a tribute concert at Sinfonia Smith Square in Westminster, organized by Future Talent to honor the memory of the late Duchess of Kent.
According to the Court Circular, the Honorable Lady Ogilvy was slated to watch performances by students and alumni of the charity co-founded by her late sister-in-law. However, she did not arrive. Writing in the Daily Mail, royal commentator Richard Eden reported that an internal source explained the situation plainly: “Unfortunately she had to cancel her attendance at the last moment.” No further medical details or specific reasons regarding her health were released by the palace.
Six Months Away From Major Public Engagements
This sudden absence stands out because the princess has kept a very quiet schedule through most of 2026. Her last major public appearance took place in April 2026, when she joined members of the royal family at Buckingham Palace for a reception marking the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth.
Since that April gathering, she has remained away from high-profile engagements. She did not participate in the Trooping the Colour military parade for King Charles III in June 2026. Born on December 25, 1936, the princess is just weeks away from turning 90 years old on Christmas Day 2026.
Deep Ties to the British Royal Family
As the only daughter of Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, Princess Alexandra shares a close historical connection to the British monarchy. Her brothers are Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who is 90, and Prince Michael of Kent, who is 84.
Her lifelong closeness to Queen Elizabeth II included serving as a bridesmaid at the 1947 royal wedding in Westminster Abbey. In April 1963, she married Angus James Ogilvy in the same abbey. Following his death in 2004, she continued to live at Thatched House Lodge in Richmond, southwest London, a Crown property secured through a long-term lease.
Family Gathering Remembers the Late Duchess of Kent
Sunday evening’s concert carried deep emotional weight for the family. The Duchess of Kent passed away in September 2025 at the age of 92, leaving the Duke of Kent widowed after more than sixty years of marriage.
While Princess Alexandra was forced to withdraw, other senior family members filled the pews. The Duke of Kent and Prince Michael of Kent both attended the Westminster tribute, accompanied by the children of the Duke and Duchess—Lady Helen Taylor, the Earl of St Andrews, and Lord Nicholas Windsor—alongside representatives of the younger royal generation.
Official palace channels have not indicated whether Princess Alexandra will make a return to public view ahead of her milestone birthday in December, leaving family members and royal watchers to monitor her well-being from a distance.