Ben Duncan, a college friend of Prince William and Kate Middleton and a former Big Brother star, has died after falling approximately 100 feet from the rooftop bar of a luxury London hotel. The incident, which occurred recently, has shocked his social circle and drawn media attention due to his royal connections and media profile.
The 45-year-old socialite fell from the seventh-floor rooftop bar of the Trafalgar St James hotel in Westminster on the evening of October 30. Emergency services were dispatched after reports of a man on the roof, but despite efforts from paramedics and the London Air Ambulance, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have stated that the death is non-suspicious and unexpected, with investigations concluding shortly. His body was found in Spring Gardens, just off Trafalgar Square, following the fall from height.
Ben Duncan attended the University of St Andrews alongside Prince William and Kate Middleton during their undergraduate years, becoming part of their inner circle. He was famously present at the university fashion show where Kate, modeling a sheer dress, captured William’s attention, a moment often credited with sparking their romance. Duncan later recalled that royal protection officers were ubiquitous due to William’s presence, and he was among the first to know about their relationship, highlighting the close-knit nature of their university days.
After graduating, Duncan entered the public eye through reality television, most notably as a housemate on the 2010 season of Big Brother, where he was depicted as a ‘posh’ contrast to winner Josie Gibson. He also appeared on shows like Come Dine With Me, Ladette To Lady, and Celebrity Coach Trip, and presented programs such as More Than A Mistress, establishing himself as a media personality with a flair for entertainment. His television career brought him wider recognition and a platform to share his interests in politics and music.
Known for his charm, wit, and innate sense of style, Duncan maintained a wide network of high-profile friends, including political figures like Lord Peter Mandelson and broadcaster Michael Portillo. Close friend Mike Hollingsworth described him as ‘the boy who never grew up’ and expressed deep sorrow, highlighting his infectious laugh and the void his passing leaves in their lives. Tributes from acquaintances emphasized his role as the life of the party and his enduring impact on those around him.
In recent years, friends noted that Duncan had become more reclusive and struggled with insomnia, though he remained passionate about politics and music. An anonymous friend shared that he was ‘always the life and soul of the party’ but had faced personal challenges, making his sudden death all the more tragic for those who knew him. This shift in behavior adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, underscoring the often-hidden struggles behind public personas.
The Trafalgar St James hotel, where the incident occurred, is a high-end establishment that reopened in 2017 with a celebrity-studded launch and charges up to £1,000 per night. Its rooftop bar, equipped with plastic safety screens, offers stunning views of Nelson’s Column and Trafalgar Square, attracting tourists and socialites, and raising questions about safety protocols in such venues. The hotel’s prominence in London’s nightlife scene has drawn additional scrutiny to the circumstances of the fall.
The death has sparked discussions about mental health and the pressures of public life, with tributes pouring in from the entertainment and royal circles. As authorities wrap up their investigation, friends and family are mourning the loss of a vibrant individual whose life intersected with significant moments in British culture and monarchy history. This event serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of support networks in times of crisis.