LONDON – The British royal family is in shock following the sudden and tragic death of Thomas Kingston, son-in-law of Prince Michael of Kent and second cousin to King Charles III. The 45-year-old Kingston was found dead from a “catastrophic head injury” in an outbuilding of his parents’ home in Gloucestershire, with a firearm found near the body, according to coroner Katy Skerrett’s report on Friday.
Kingston, who was married to Lady Gabriella Kingston, daughter of Prince Michael of Kent, was well-known in royal circles and worked as a director of Devonport Capital. He had a degree in Economic History from the University of Bristol and had previously worked for the British Foreign Office, participating in negotiations to free hostages in Iraq.
The circumstances surrounding Kingston’s death have raised questions, with his father finding him dead after returning from walking the dogs and the police ruling out any suspicion of foul play. The investigation into his death will continue, as is required for deaths of a similar nature in the United Kingdom.
The news of Kingston’s death has deeply affected not only his family but also the British royal family, with Buckingham Palace announcing his passing and expressing their condolences. King Charles III and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, have joined in mourning the loss of “a very beloved member of the family.”