Princess Michael of Kent has publicly commented on the sudden and heartbreaking loss of her son-in-law, Thomas Kingston, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 45 in February. This tragic event has deeply affected the Royal Family. Kingston, a financier and husband to Lady Gabriella Windsor, was found deceased at his family home in the Cotswolds in March.
Princess Michael shared that the shocking circumstances of his death left the entire family in disarray. The lack of any notes or warning signs suggested that his passing was unforeseen. “Tom was a wonderful man, incredibly kind and considerate. He and Gabriella were very happy together,” she expressed in an interview with Majesty magazine. She also reminisced about the close relationship between Kingston and Lady Gabriella’s brother, Lord Frederick Windsor, along with his wife, Sophie Winkleman, noting, “We often enjoyed Sunday lunches together with Freddie, Sophie, and the girls.”
The 79-year-old Princess Michael revealed that the news of Kingston’s passing, ruled as suicide by a coroner in December, took the family completely unawares. “We had no idea anything was wrong,” Tatler reported. While it has been challenging to support Lady Gabriella through her grief, Princess Michael acknowledged how Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor have been pillars of support during this tough time. Tatler highlighted the family’s solidarity in supporting Gabriella, with Princess Michael particularly praising Frederick and Sophie for their steadfast assistance.
As part of the extended British Royal Family, Princess Michael is married to Prince Michael of Kent, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. With her distinguished aristocratic lineage and connections to both British and European royalty, Princess Michael has maintained a significant, though at times controversial, presence within royal circles. The couple has two children: Lord Frederick Windsor and Lady Gabriella Windsor, who have both chosen to live relatively private lives.
Lady Gabriella, a writer and arts advocate, married financier Thomas Kingston in 2019 in a ceremony attended by prominent royal family members. Kingston, known for his diplomatic background and distinguished career in finance, was cherished by the family for his thoughtfulness and strong bonds with his in-laws, including Lord Frederick and actress Sophie Winkleman.
Lady Gabriella revealed that Kingston had started a new medication just two weeks before his death. The second cousin of King Charles suggested that Kingston’s decision to take his life might have been an impulsive act, spurred by an “adverse reaction” to the drugs he had been prescribed. “It seems to me that Tom’s impulsive decision was likely triggered by an adverse reaction to the medication he had been taking in the last two weeks of his life,” she conveyed to the Telegraph.
The confirmation of Kingston’s death was issued on February 27 through a statement from Lady Gabriella and other family members. “It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Thomas Kingston, our beloved husband, son, and brother. Tom was an extraordinary person who brought joy to those around him. His death has been an immense shock to our family, and we kindly ask for privacy as we mourn his loss.”