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13.05.

1948: Death of Kathleen Kennedy

1948: Death of Kathleen Kennedy
Photo Credit To Wikipedia Commons

Story Highlights

  • Historical event:
  • 13 May 1948
  • After their marriage, Kathleen Kennedy became the Marchioness of Hartington. If her husband hadn't tragically died on the battlefield, she would have become the Duchess of Devonshire.

This day in 1948 marked the death of Kathleen Kennedy, the sister of the U.S. President John F. Kennedy.



She was the fourth child in the family (John was the second child, and but three years older than Kathleen). Kathleen was nicknamed “Kick” (the Kennedy children each had their own nickname, like Jack, Bobby, Ted, Pat etc.)

In England, Kathleen Kennedy met the young Lord Hartington, the eldest son and the heir of the rich Duke of Devonshire. His family (bearing the surname Cavendish) was one of the most prestigious and richest families among the English aristocracy. Chatsworth Castle in Derbyshire was their seat, and the family was also one of the largest private landowners in the UK.

In 1944, Kathleen Kennedy married Lord Hartington, the duke’s heir. The eldest son of the Duke of Devonshire was addressed as “Lord Hartington” because he held the title of Marquess of Hartington during his  father’s life. After their marriage, Kathleen Kennedy became the Marchioness of Hartington.

If her husband hadn’t tragically died on the battlefield in World War II, she would have become the Duchess of Devonshire.  An enemy sniper killed the 26-year-old  Lord Hartington.




As a widow, Kathleen held the title of Marchioness of Hartington.  Four years later, she died in a plane crash, while travelling from Paris to the Cote d’Azur.

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