In a shocking turn of events, a close friend of Prince William and Princess Kate, someone who shared laughter and camaraderie during their university days, has tragically passed away. Ben Duncan, a 45-year-old socialite known for his wit and charm, and also for his appearance on the reality TV show Big Brother, died last week in what authorities are calling an unexpected but non-suspicious incident. He fell from a considerable height – seven stories, to be exact – from the Trafalgar St James hotel in London. But here's where it gets controversial... while the police investigation has deemed the death non-suspicious, the circumstances surrounding the fall are undoubtedly raising questions and sparking sadness among those who knew him.
Ben Duncan's connection to the royal couple dates back to their time at the University of St Andrews, where they first began their romance. He was more than just an acquaintance; he was considered a member of their inner circle, a confidant who witnessed the early sparks of what would become a historic love story. Before becoming a familiar face on television, Ben shared countless moments and memories with William and Kate on the Scottish coast. According to reports, Ben's body was discovered near Trafalgar Square, specifically in Spring Gardens, after the fall.
A statement released by authorities confirmed the tragic event: "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 a height. Despite the best efforts from the London Ambulance service, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His death is unexpected but non-suspicious." The specifics of what led Ben to the roof that night remain unclear, leaving a void of unanswered questions.
The news of Ben's passing has sent ripples of grief through his social circle. Broadcaster Mike Hollingsworth, a close friend of Ben's, expressed his sorrow in a heartfelt Facebook post: "My dear, dear friend Benjamin (Ben) Duncan has left us. He lived life as Peter Pan – the boy who never grew up. He will be sorely missed by his many, many friends, who grew to love his charm, his wit, his infectious laugh and his innate sense of style. The world is a poorer place for his passing. RIP Benji." Hollingsworth's words paint a picture of a vibrant and charismatic individual, someone who embraced life with youthful enthusiasm. And this is the part most people miss... it highlights the profound impact Ben had on those around him, extending far beyond his brief stint in the public eye.
Josie Gibson, who won Big Brother the same year Ben appeared on the show, also shared her condolences: "One of the most unique, hilariously funny, dry-witted guys I know. My heart goes out to Ben and his family. I love you Ben." Gibson's tribute underscores Ben's unique personality and his ability to bring laughter and joy to those he encountered.
Ben himself had previously spoken about his time at St Andrews with William and Kate, offering a glimpse into their early relationship and the security measures surrounding them. In a 2010 interview, he recalled: "Because we'd had Will and Kate in our midst, we had royal protection officers swarming the place. 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." He provided a rare insight into the environment that allowed their romance to blossom away from the intense scrutiny of the public eye.
He even recounted being present at the now-famous fashion show where Kate famously caught Prince William's eye. Talking about that pivotal moment, Ben explained: "It was the end of their first year. I was there, and in person, there were a lot of attractive girls. She was in a very daring dress, in a sheer stocking-like dress. He was sitting front row and his eyes were like stalks. She brushed by him on the way to the catwalk and things were never the same again - the whole history of the monarchy had been altered." Ben's eyewitness account adds another layer to the iconic story of William and Kate's courtship, highlighting the undeniable attraction between them from the very beginning.
The loss of Ben Duncan is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected paths it can take. While the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, his passing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cherishing our relationships and celebrating the lives of those who touch our hearts. What are your thoughts on the media's coverage of such tragedies involving individuals connected to the Royal Family? Do you think the focus should be more on the individual's life and impact, rather than their association with royalty?
