London, November 5, 2025 – Benjamin "Ben" Duncan, a charismatic socialite, reality television personality, and former classmate of Prince William and Princess Catherine (née Kate Middleton) at the University of St Andrews, has died at the age of 45 following a fatal fall from the rooftop bar of the luxurious Trafalgar St James hotel in central London. The incident occurred late on Thursday, October 30, 2025, and has been described by authorities as "unexpected but non-suspicious." Duncan's untimely death has sent shockwaves through London's high-society circles, reality TV alumni, and those who remembered him as a witty observer of the early days of one of the world's most famous royal romances.
Emergency services were alerted to reports of a "man on the roof" at approximately 10:59 p.m. that evening. The Metropolitan Police confirmed officers were dispatched to the scene on Cockspur Street, Westminster, at 11:02 p.m. A police spokesperson stated: "Officers responded to concerns for a man on the roof of a building in Cockspur Street, Westminster at 23:02 hours on Thursday, 30 October. The man sadly fell from height. Despite the best efforts from the London Ambulance Service, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His death is unexpected but non-suspicious."
The London Ambulance Service echoed the grim outcome in their own statement: "We were called at 10:59pm on Thursday 30 October to reports of an incident on Spring Gardens, City of Westminster. We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, an incident response officer, paramedics in fast response cars and paramedics from our hazardous area response team. We also dispatched a trauma team in a car from London's Air Ambulance. Very sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews, a man was pronounced dead at the scene."
Duncan's body was discovered in Spring Gardens, a quiet side street just off Trafalgar Square, after plummeting approximately 100 feet—equivalent to seven stories—from the hotel's rooftop bar. The venue, known as The Rooftop, features high plastic screens around its edges as a safety measure, but these apparently did not prevent the tragedy. The Trafalgar St James, a five-star Curio Collection by Hilton property, is a popular spot for affluent visitors, with rooms often exceeding £1,000 per night and panoramic views of London's landmarks. Hotel management has declined to comment on the incident, citing respect for the ongoing police inquiry and the family's privacy.
Born in 1980, Benjamin Duncan grew up in a privileged environment that afforded him entry into elite social and academic spheres. He enrolled at the University of St Andrews in Scotland in the early 2000s, studying history of art—a course that famously brought together the future Prince and Princess of Wales. Duncan was not just a peripheral figure; he was part of the couple's close-knit "inner circle" during their formative university years. Royal protection officers were a constant presence on campus due to William's status, creating an atmosphere of discreet glamour that Duncan later reminisced about fondly.
In interviews ahead of the royal wedding in 2011, Duncan provided rare insights into the budding romance. He claimed to be among the first to notice the sparks between William and Kate. "Because we'd had Will and Kate in our midst we had royal protection officers swarming the place," he told reporters in 2010. "We knew that they had hit it off and we knew that something was happening, but they were just left alone to get on with it." Duncan was even present at the iconic 2002 St Andrews charity fashion show where Kate, then 20, strutted down the runway in a sheer black lace dress designed by Charlotte Todd. The outfit, which sold for £78,000 at auction in 2011, is credited with captivating William, who reportedly paid £200 for a front-row seat. "It was the end of their first year," Duncan recalled. "I was there, and in person there were a lot of attractive girls. She was in a very daring dress, in a sheer stocking-like dress. He was sitting front row and his eyes were like stalks. She brushed by him on the way to the catwalk and things were never the same again—the whole history of the monarchy had been altered."
Beyond his royal anecdotes, Duncan cultivated a colorful public persona. After graduating, he transitioned into media and entertainment, leveraging his upper-class charm and quick wit. His breakthrough came in 2010 as a housemate on the 11th series of Channel 4's Big Brother, where he was portrayed as the quintessential "posh" contestant. Entering the house alongside eventual winner Josie Gibson from Bristol, Duncan clashed and bantered in equal measure, often highlighting class divides with his aristocratic demeanor. He finished in fifth place but left a lasting impression, later appearing on spin-offs like Come Dine With Me, Australia's Ladette to Lady, Celebrity Coach Trip, and presenting segments for shows such as More Than A Mistress.
Duncan's television career extended to commentary; he provided voiceovers during the live broadcast of William and Kate's 2011 wedding at Westminster Abbey, offering insider tidbits to millions of viewers worldwide. Off-screen, he rubbed shoulders with political heavyweights, counting Labour peer Lord Peter Mandelson, former Conservative minister Michael Portillo, and interior designer Nicky Haslam among his friends. A passionate advocate for conservative politics and classical music, Duncan contributed articles to outlets like the Daily Mail and The Daily Telegraph, blending gossip with cultural critique.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment and social spectra, painting a portrait of a man who lived vibrantly yet privately in his later years. Broadcaster Mike Hollingsworth, a close confidant, posted a heartfelt eulogy on Facebook: "My dear, dear friend Benjamin (Ben) Duncan has left us. He lived life as Peter Pan—the boy who never grew up. He will be sorely missed by his many, many friends, who grew to love his charm, his wit, his infectious laugh and his innate sense of style. The world is a poorer place for his passing. RIP Benji."
An anonymous friend revealed to the Daily Mail that Duncan had battled personal demons: "Ben was always the life and soul of the party. Although he appeared on reality TV shows, Ben's true passions were politics and music. In recent years, he had become more reclusive—and had struggled with insomnia. It's truly devastating that he's gone so soon." Fellow Big Brother alum Josie Gibson shared her grief on Instagram: "My heart goes out to Ben and his family. I love you Ben... one of the most unique, hilariously funny, dry-witted guys I know."
Television presenter Lizzy Cundy added: "So shocked and heartbroken to hear my friend Ben Duncan has passed away. A beautiful soul with a large, fun character. We laughed so much about the silly things in life. God bless you dear Ben. You are a one-off."
As of now, Kensington Palace has not issued an official statement on Duncan's passing, though sources close to the Waleses describe them as "deeply saddened" by the loss of an old university acquaintance. While some reports have clarified that William and Duncan were not intimate friends in adulthood, their shared St Andrews chapter undeniably linked their paths.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that a file will be prepared for the coroner, with an inquest expected to examine the circumstances in detail. No arrests have been made, and foul play has been ruled out. Duncan's family has requested privacy during this difficult time, asking that speculation cease.
Ben Duncan's life was a tapestry of privilege, publicity, and quiet struggles—a modern Peter Pan who enchanted many but ultimately fell from the heights he once scaled so effortlessly. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility beneath even the most glittering facades. As investigations continue, friends and fans mourn a man whose laughter echoed from university halls to reality TV screens, leaving an indelible mark on Britain's cultural landscape.
