Princess Michael Speaks About Son-in-Law Thomas Kingston's Sudden Death: 'We Never Had an Inkling Anything Was Wrong'

Mar. 15, 2025

Princess Michael of Kent is opening up for the first time about the unexpected death of her son-in-law,Thomas Kingston, who died in February at age 45.

On Dec. 17, Princess Michael, 79, broke her silence surrounding the death of her son-in-law in a new interview withMajesty Magazine. Princess Michael’s family navigated tragedy when her daughterLady Gabriella Windsor’s husband Kingston died earlier this year. A spokesperson for the coroner’s office previously told PEOPLE that hiscause of deathwas “traumatic wound to the head,” and a gun was found near his body.

“Tom was a lovely man, so kind and thoughtful. They were very happy together,” Princess Michael toldMajesty Magazine,Tatlerreported.

“We often had them here with Freddie and Sophie and the girls for Sunday lunch,” she continued, referencing her son,Lord Frederick Windsor, his wifeSophie Winklemanand their two young daughters.

Princess Michael (born Baroness Marie-Christine von Reibnit) is married toQueen Elizabeth’s first cousin,Prince Michaelof Kent, and the royal couple are parents to Lady Gabriella, 43, and Lord Frederick, 45. The family expanded when Lady Gabriella married Kingston, a financier, former hostage negotiator and onetime boyfriend ofKate Middleton’s sisterPippa Middleton, in May 2019, and Princess Michael said his sudden death was a shock.

“We never had an inkling anything was wrong,” she toldMajesty Magazine, according toTatler. The outlet said that the family has rallied to be there for Gabriella through the grief, which has been challenging for the whole family, with Princess Michael calling Frederick and Sophie an especially strong support.

Sophie Winkleman and Lord Frederick Windsor arrive to attend the Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6, 2024.Chris Jackson/Getty

Chris Jackson/Getty

On Feb. 27, Kingston’s death was announced in a statement attributed to Lady Gabriella and several of his family members.

“It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the death of Thomas Kingston, our beloved husband, son and brother. Tom was an exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him. His death has come as a great shock to the whole family, and we ask you to respect our privacy as we mourn his passing,” the statement said.

Thomas Kingston and Lady Gabriella Windsor attend the private view for “Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto” on September 13, 2023 in London, England.Dave Benett/Getty

Dave Benett/Getty

A palace spokesperson confirmed thatKing CharlesandQueen Camillawere informed of Kingston’s death, and it emerged that he died on Feb. 25 at his parents' home in the Cotswolds.

No suspicious circumstances or other parties were thought to have been involved, and a spokesperson for the coroner’s official later told PEOPLE his cause of death was “traumatic wound to the head.”

Prince Williamattended Kingston’sprivate funeralin March, and theDaily Mailreported in April that Lady Gabriella moved back in with her parents at Kensington Palace.

On Dec. 3, Gabriella made an emotional appearance during an inquest at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court, further illuminating the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death. There, Gabriella alleged that her husband’s"impulsive" deathwas an “adverse reaction” to medication he was taking for insomnia and anxiety.

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Gabriella, who sobbed during some of the hearing, described her marriage as one of deep love and trust, emphasizing that her husband had never expressed any suicidal thoughts to her or to others, according toHello!.

“[Work] was certainly a challenge for him over the years, but I highly doubt it would have led him to take his own life, and it seemed much improved,” her witness statement continued, the outlet said. “If anything had been troubling him, I’m positive that he would have shared that he was struggling severely. The fact that he took his life at the home of his beloved parents suggests the decision was the result of a sudden impulse.”

She added that with “the lack of any evidence of inclination it seems highly likely to me that he had an adverse reaction to the pills that led him to take his life. I believe anyone taking pills such as these need to be made more aware of the side effects to prevent any future deaths. If this could happen to Tom, this could happen to anyone.”

The inquest into Kingston’s death is ongoing.

Thomas Kingston on his May 18, 2019 wedding day to Lady Gabriella Windsor.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

Though Gabriella and her brother Frederick are not full-time working royals, they often attend the royal family’s social and ceremonial events alongside their parents. On Dec. 6, Lady Gabriella attended Princess Kate’sTogether at Christmascarol service at Westminster Abbey, and walked in alongside Princess Kate’s mom,Carole Middleton, seemingly in a show of support.

Carole Middleton, Michael Middleton and Lady Gabriella Windsor arrive to attend the Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6, 2024.Samir Hussein/WireImage

Samir Hussein/WireImage

On Dec. 19, Prince and Princess Michael were seen heading to King Charles’private family lunchat Buckingham Palace before Christmas, which both of their children reportedly attended.

source: people.com