A college classmate of Prince William and Kate Middleton has died in a tragic 100-foot fall from a London hotel rooftop, highlighting the fragile nature of life even among those who once moved in royal circles.
Story Summary
- Ben Duncan, 45, died after falling from the Trafalgar St. James Hotel rooftop in Westminster.
- Duncan attended the University of St. Andrews with the future royal couple from 2001 to 2005.
- He witnessed the pivotal moment in the fashion show when Kate first caught William’s attention.
- The reality TV star appeared on multiple UK shows, including “Big Brother” Season 11.
Tragic Death Shakes Royal Connections
Ben Duncan, a 45-year-old socialite and reality television personality, died after falling 100 feet from the rooftop of London’s seven-story Trafalgar St. James Hotel on October 30.
Metropolitan Police responded to the Westminster location at 23:02 hours but pronounced Duncan dead at the scene despite emergency medical efforts.
Authorities classified the death as “unexpected but non-suspicious,” indicating no foul play was involved in this devastating incident.
Kate Middleton and Prince William’s college classmate dead after 100-foot fall from London bar rooftop https://t.co/d3U2YmPBhE pic.twitter.com/WZt5uzGz4r
— New York Post (@nypost) November 4, 2025
University Years With Future Royals
Duncan shared his university experience at St. Andrews with Prince William and Kate Middleton from 2001 to 2005, witnessing their legendary romance unfold firsthand. He recalled the constant presence of royal protection officers who “swarmed the place” due to William’s attendance.
Duncan provided rare insider perspective on how the couple was “left alone to get on with it” while their relationship developed, showing the careful balance between security and normalcy that characterized William’s university years.
Witness to Royal Romance History
Duncan held a front-row seat to one of the most significant moments in modern royal history during the university’s fashion show. He described Kate’s appearance in a “very daring dress, in a sheer stocking-like dress” that captured William’s immediate attention.
Duncan noted William’s reaction, saying “his eyes were like stalks” when Kate “brushed by him on the way to the catwalk.” This moment fundamentally altered their relationship trajectory and, as Duncan put it, “the whole history of the monarchy had been altered.”
Television Career and Lasting Legacy
Following graduation, Duncan transitioned into reality television, starring in Season 11 of the UK’s “Big Brother” in 2010 before being evicted on day 52. He appeared on additional British programs including “Come Dine With Me,” “Ladette to Lady,” and “Celebrity Coach Tri.”
Friends and colleagues remembered Duncan fondly on social media, with broadcaster Mike Hollingsworth describing him as living “life as Peter Pan – the boy who never grew up” and praising his “charm, wit, infectious laugh and innate sense of style.”
