Lady Gabriella Windsor’s husband found dead aged 45

Lady Gabriella and Mr Kingston in a picture released on their engagement in September 2018

Thomas Kingston, the beloved husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor, has tragically passed away at the age of 45, as announced by Buckingham Palace.

Lady Gabriella, daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, fondly remembered her husband, a financier whom she married in 2019, as “an exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him” His unexpected demise has deeply shaken the entire family.

Expressing their condolences, a spokesperson from Buckingham Palace conveyed that The King and The Queen were informed of Thomas's passing and, along with Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, mourned the loss of a cherished member of the family. Their Majesties extended heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Gabriella and the Kingston family during this difficult time.

Thomas Kingston, known for his devout Christian faith and his past endeavors as a hostage negotiator in Baghdad, was discovered deceased at a residence in Gloucestershire on Sunday evening. Emergency services responded to the scene promptly after 6 pm. Authorities have clarified that his death is not under suspicion, and preparations for the coroner's report are underway.

Both Prince and Princess Michael of Kent were in attendance at a memorial service on Tuesday for King Constantine of Greece, held at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, the same venue where Lady Gabriella and Thomas exchanged vows in May 2019, witnessed by numerous senior royals including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

The couple married in the summer of 2019 in Windsor with the Royal family in attendance

Notably, Prince of Wales's absence from the memorial service wasn't related to Thomas Kingston's passing, according to sources. In a statement released on behalf of Lady Gabriella, Thomas's parents, Martin and Jill Kingston, and his sisters, Joanna Connolly and Emma Murray, the family expressed profound sorrow over his loss, urging privacy as they grieve.

Lady Gabriella, affectionately called Ella, and her elder brother, Lord Frederick Windsor, spent their formative years in Kensington Palace. Currently 56th in line to the throne, Lady Gabriella pursued studies in comparative literature and Hispanic studies at Brown University before obtaining a master's in social anthropology from Oxford University in 2012.

An accomplished singer, Lady Gabriella released two songs in 2020 to support the Playing for Change Foundation. Thomas Kingston, born on June 22, 1978, hailed from modest beginnings. His father, Martin, rose from a secondary modern education to a distinguished career as a KC, specializing in planning law. Martin announced his retirement from No5 Chambers in January 2020.

Martin Kingston Sr.'s dedication to faith led to his election to the General Synod in 2016. His wife, Jill, shares his commitment to the church and serves as a trustee of the Harnhill Centre of Christian Healing. Additionally, she oversees the Nadezhda Charitable Trust, focusing on various projects, particularly in Zimbabwe, Russia, and Ukraine.

The engagement of Lady Gabriella and Thomas Kingston was publicly announced by the palace in September 2018. Although the couple maintained a relatively low profile, their appearances in society magazines were not uncommon.

The couple's final public appearance together was on Feb 14, when they attended an event with the Queen at Grosvenor House, commemorating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's first folio.

Thomas Kingston, nicknamed Tom, pursued economic history at Bristol University before embarking on his impactful role as a hostage negotiator in Baghdad. Despite the perils, he demonstrated remarkable resilience, surviving a suicide bombing in 2004 that claimed 22 lives.

Mr Kingston was a financier who had previously worked in Baghdad

Canon Andrew White, who worked alongside him in Baghdad, lauded Thomas as an exceptional individual, citing his invaluable contributions to mediation and reconciliation efforts. Upon his return to the UK, Thomas continued to excel in his career, notably at Schroders and later as a director of Devonport Capital.

Known to have a close relationship with the Middleton family, Thomas's engagement to Lady Gabriella was celebrated by both families. Their wedding, held on the Channel Island of Sark, was a moment of joy, captured in Lady Gabriella's elegant attire by designer Luisa Beccaria.

Reflecting on their special day, Lady Gabriella shared a moment of apprehension when her tiara seemed precarious, only to be reassured by her hairdresser's expertise.