The British entertainment world and London’s high society are in mourning. Ben Duncan, former Big Brother contestant and known for being part of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s university social circle, tragically passed away at the age of 45 after falling from the seventh floor of the Trafalgar St. James Hotel, an exclusive establishment located in the heart of London, just a few meters from Trafalgar Square.
According to the Daily Mail, the accident occurred last October 30, when Duncan was at the hotel’s rooftop bar, one of the most visited places in the West End for its panoramic view of the historic center of the British capital. According to initial police reports, the socialite fell from a height of approximately 30 meters, landing in a pedestrian area of Spring Gardens.
The London Metropolitan Police confirmed that they received the emergency call at 23:02 hours, following a report of “a man on the roof of the building”. When officers arrived on the scene, Duncan was already seriously injured. London Ambulance Service paramedics attended with a specialized major incident response team, but unfortunately they were unable to save his life.
A police spokesman told the British media: “The man fell from a great height. Despite the efforts of the ambulance service, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His death is unexpected, but not suspicious.”
This clarification implies that the authorities found no evidence of crime or third party involvement in the event, so the case is being treated as a tragic accident.
The Trafalgar St. James Hotel, where the events occurred, is a five-star hotel frequented by celebrities, businessmen and royalty. Its rooftop bar, The Rooftop, is surrounded by security screens, although the exact circumstances that led to the fall have not yet been clarified.
The establishment, located just steps from the National Gallery and St. James’s Palace, is known for its private events and for offering one of the best nighttime views in the city, which has fueled the media impact of the case.
Ben Duncan: Farewell messages and tribute from those close to him.
The news of Ben Duncan’s death caused a wave of shock among his friends and figures of the British television world. One of the first to speak out was presenter Mike Hollingsworth, who dedicated an emotional message on social networks:
“My dear friend Ben Duncan has left us. He lived life as Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. He will be deeply missed by his friends, his humor, his infectious laughter and his unmatched sense of style. The world is a poorer place without him.”
His words reflect the deep sadness left by the departure of Duncan, remembered for his charisma, elegance and participation in the reality show Big Brother, where he gained popularity for his outgoing personality.
Before his time on television, Ben Duncan studied at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, the same institution where Prince William and Kate Middleton met and began their relationship, an episode widely portrayed even in the Netflix series The Crown. Her closeness with the royal couple allowed her to be part of the exclusive social circle that accompanied them during their university years and the first years of their courtship.
Duncan was considered a British socialite with a strong presence in London’s nightlife and an occasional contributor to fashion and charity events. His sudden death has generated great consternation among those close to him, who describe him as a cheerful, sophisticated person with an unparalleled sense of humor.
Although police have ruled out the involvement of third parties, the case remains under review by the Westminster coroner, who is due to officially determine the cause of death in the coming days.
Meanwhile, family and friends of Ben Duncan have asked for respect and discretion in this difficult moment. His passing not only leaves a void in British society, but also the memory of a man who – as his friend Hollingsworth wrote – “lived intensely, never losing his free spirit or his light”.
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