In summary
•Benjamin Duncan, 45, a university friend of Prince William and Princess Kate, has died after falling from the roof of London’s Trafalgar St. James Hotel.
•Police said the death was “unexpected but non-suspicious.”
•Tributes have been paid to Mr Duncan, who studied with the royal couple at St Andrews University, and later became known for appearances on TV shows such as Big Brother, Come Dine With Me, and Celebrity Coach Trip.
A university friend of the Prince and Princess of Wales has died after falling from the roof of a luxury West End hotel.
Socialite Benjamin Duncan, 45, fell around 100 feet from the five-star Trafalgar St. James’ seventh floor in Spring Gardens on Thursday evening.
Mr Duncan was at the University of St Andrews with William and Kate when they first started dating.
He had been part of their inner circle before becoming a media personality on TV shows, including Big Brother.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman told the Daily Mail: “Officers responded to concerns for a man on the roof of a building in Cockspur Street, Westminster at 11.02pm on Thursday, October 30.
“The man sadly fell from height. Despite the best efforts from the London Ambulance service, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Trafalgar St. James hotel
“His death is unexpected but non-suspicious.”
Big Brother star Josie Gibson, who won the reality TV show the year Mr Duncan appeared on the programme, described the 45-year-old as “one of the most unique, hilariously funny, dry-witted guys I know”.
She wrote on the same Instagram story: “My heart goes out to Ben and his family. I love you Ben.”
Broadcaster Mike Hollingsworth wrote on Facebook: “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.”
TV presenter and former WAG Lizzie Cundy also paid tribute to Mr Duncan. Taking to X, Cundy wrote: “So shocked and heartbroken to hear my friend Ben Duncan has passed away.
“A beautiful soul with a large fun character. We laughed so much about the silly things in life. God bless you dear Ben. You are a one off . Thoughts and prayers with all his family.”
Another of Mr Duncan’s friends described how it was “devastating to know he was suffering in ways no one could see”.
The friend paid tribute to Mr Duncan and wrote on Facebook: “He was a kind and unique soul, and he will be deeply missed. Condolences to all his family on their loss. So young, too. Rest in peace, Ben.”
Renowned socialite Benjamin Duncan at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood (PA)
As well as the royals, Mr Duncan had a wide network of well-connected friends like Labour grandee Lord Peter Mandelson, Tory Michael Portillo, and designer Nicky Haslam.
Another friend, speaking anonymously, told the Mail: “Ben was always the life and soul of the party.
“Although he appeared on reality TV shows, Ben’s true passions were politics and music.
“In recent years, he had become more reclusive – and had struggled with insomnia.
“It’s truly devastating that he’s gone so soon.”
Mr Duncan had previously spoken about his friendship with William and Kate at university, where the royal couple met, and had spoken about seeing the start of their relationship.
Speaking in November, 2010, he said: “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.”
Benjamin Duncn’s promotional picture for Big Brother (Channel 4)
He was present at the much-documented moment when Kate was a model in a fashion show at the university, famously credited as capturing William’s attention and cementing their attraction.
Mr Duncan said: “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.”
The 45-year-old was also interviewed during the broadcast of Prince William and Princess Kate’s wedding in 2011.
Mr Duncan became known to the wider public after appearing in several TV shows, beginning in 2010 with Channel 4’s Big Brother, where he was depicted as “posh” in contrast to eventual winner Josie Gibson.
He appeared in other shows including Come Dine With Me, Ladette to Lady and Celebrity Coach Trip. He also presented programmes including More Than A Mistress.
::If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
