The Duke visited the Leeds-based opera company of the North to witness a performance of the company's translations of Francesca do Rimini, composed by Rachmaninov and Pagliacci by Leon Cavallo.
He was also introduced to members of the cast on stage as part of the celebrations to mark 25 years since the company's inception. Richard Mantle, director of Opera North, said: "We were delighted that the Duke of Kent came to Leeds to celebrate Opera North's 25th birthday and our Eight Little Greats festival.
"As the Company's patron he is a great supporter and takes a strong interest in our work. We are particularly proud that the two performances he sees this evening begin a series of 22 performances of opera at Leeds Grand Theatre over the next 11 days."
The Eight Little Greats is one of the most ambitious projects the northern touring arm of the company has taken on in its quarter-of-a-century history.
As previously reported in the Yorkshire Post, the company is staging a series of operas condensed into short, one act performances, the shortest of which comes in at just over half-an-hour.
It has also taken the unusual step of advertising its latest season on buses, billboards and the side of toilet walls.
Staging at least two performances a day and, at times, including matinees, four a day, the company will notch up an impressive number of performances over the coming fortnight.
nick.ahad@ypn.co.uk