Prince William's University Friend Dies After Falling from Hotel Roof
Ben Duncan, a well-known socialite and friend of Prince William and Kate Middleton, has died tragically after falling from the rooftop of a West End hotel in London. He was connected to the royal couple during their time at the University of St Andrews and later became a media personality, appearing on shows such as Big Brother.
Incident Details
The 45-year-old fell approximately 100 feet, dropping seven floors from the rooftop bar of the Trafalgar St James hotel, a luxury five-star establishment where rooms can cost up to £1,000 per night.
He was found deceased shortly after Metropolitan Police officers arrived, responding to reports of a "man on the roof" in the Cockspur Street area of Westminster.
“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. Despite the best efforts from the London Ambulance service, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His death is unexpected but non-suspicious.”
— Metropolitan Police spokesperson
Ben Duncan's body was found near Spring Gardens, just off Trafalgar Square, below the seven-story building from which he fell.
Background
- Ben Duncan attended the University of St Andrews alongside Prince William and Kate Middleton.
- He was part of their early social circle before gaining fame on television.
- Duncan appeared in reality TV programs, including Big Brother.
Summary: Ben Duncan, a close university friend of Prince William and Kate Middleton and a media personality, died unexpectedly after falling from the roof of a luxury London hotel in late October 2025.