Prince William and Kate Middleton are said to be heartbroken after learning about the tragic death of their longtime friend Ben Duncan, who passed away after falling from the roof of a London hotel. The 45-year-old socialite, who studied alongside the royal couple at St Andrews University, was found dead at the Trafalgar St James Hotel in Westminster late Thursday night.
Ben Duncan was part of the same social circle that surrounded William and Kate during their university years. Known for his charm and wit, he was among the first to witness the early days of their now legendary romance. His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through royal circles, especially among those who shared memories of the couple’s quieter student life.
According to People, a representative for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the heartbreaking details. “Officers responded to concerns for a man on the roof of a building in Cockspur Street, Westminster, at 23:02 hours on Thursday, 30 October. The man sadly fell from height,” the statement read.
“Despite the best efforts from the London Ambulance Service, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene,” the spokesperson continued. Authorities confirmed that the incident is being treated as “unexpected but non-suspicious.”
Duncan’s death has prompted an outpouring of sadness from friends who described him as a lively, generous spirit who could light up any room. His close ties to the Prince and Princess of Wales date back to their early 2000s university years, where they first met and fell in love at St Andrews.
In a past interview with the Daily Mail in 2010, Duncan fondly recalled the atmosphere at the university during that time. “Because we’d had Will and Kate in our midst we had royal protection officers swarming the place,” he said. “We knew that they had hit it off and we knew that something was happening, but they were just left alone to get on with it.”
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Those who knew Duncan say he remained discreet and loyal to the couple even after their royal marriage. He was said to have admired their devotion to each other and their ability to maintain normalcy despite global fame.
While Kensington Palace has not yet issued a formal statement, sources say the Prince and Princess of Wales are “deeply saddened” by the loss. The tragic news reportedly reached them as Prince William was on an official visit to Brazil for the Earthshot Prize ceremony.
A royal insider shared that the couple considered Duncan part of their early journey together. “Ben was there when William and Kate’s relationship was still new and fragile. He witnessed their growth from college sweethearts to future monarchs,” the source said. “This loss hits very close to home.”
Friends of Duncan are now planning a private memorial in his honor. Many from the couple’s university circle are expected to attend, reflecting on memories of carefree days in St Andrews before royal duty and global attention changed their lives forever.
Duncan’s death adds to a difficult year for the Royal Family, with King Charles’s health battles and ongoing rifts continuing to dominate headlines. But for William and Kate, this tragedy is a reminder of a much more personal kind of grief — the loss of someone who knew them before titles, crowns, and the weight of responsibility.
As the investigation concludes, tributes continue to pour in online, with many remembering Ben Duncan not for his royal connections, but for his kindness, humor, and unwavering loyalty. His untimely passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who shared their youth with him and a sorrow that even time may not easily heal.
