A tragic fall from a London hotel rooftop has claimed the life of Ben Duncan, a reality TV star who witnessed the historic moment when Kate Middleton first caught Prince William’s eye at university.
Story Snapshot
- Ben Duncan, 45, died after falling 100 feet from London’s Trafalgar St. James Hotel rooftop.
- Duncan attended the University of St. Andrews with Prince William and Kate Middleton from 2001 to 2005.
- He witnessed the pivotal moment in the fashion show when Kate first captured William’s attention.
- Police ruled the October 30th death “unexpected but non-suspicious.”
Tragic End for Royal Wedding Witness
Ben Duncan, 45, fell to his death from the seven-story Trafalgar St. James Hotel in Westminster on October 30, 2025. Metropolitan Police responded to concerns about a man on the Cockspur Street building’s roof at 23:02 hours.
Despite emergency medical efforts from the London Ambulance Service, Duncan was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities classified his death as “unexpected but non-suspicious.”
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 Days with Future Royalty
Duncan shared his university years at St. Andrews with Prince William and Kate Middleton from 2001 to 2005. He provided unique insights into the royal couple’s early relationship in a 2010 interview, describing the heavy security presence that accompanied William’s enrollment.
“We had royal protection officers swarming the place,” Duncan recalled, noting how fellow students recognized the developing romance but respected their privacy.
Witness to Royal History in the Making
Duncan held a front-row seat to one of the monarchy’s most pivotal moments. At the university’s fashion show during their first year, he watched Kate capture William’s attention in a sheer, daring dress.
“His eyes were like stalks,” Duncan remembered, describing how Kate brushed past the future king on her way to the catwalk. He later reflected that “the whole history of the monarchy had been altered” by that single moment.
Reality TV Career After University
Following graduation, Duncan transitioned into reality television, appearing on Season 11 of the UK’s “Big Brother” in 2010. He lasted 52 days before elimination, finishing sixth overall behind winner Josie Gibson.
Duncan continued his television career with appearances on various UK shows, including “Come Dine With Me,” “Ladette to Lady,” and “Celebrity Coach Trip,” establishing himself as a recognizable personality in British entertainment circles.
Friends and colleagues mourned Duncan’s passing through heartfelt social media tributes. Broadcaster Mike Hollingsworth described him as living “life as Peter Pan – the boy who never grew up,” praising his charm, wit, and infectious personality.
Big Brother winner Josie Gibson honored her former housemate as “one of the most unique, hilariously funny, dry-witted guys” she knew, expressing love and condolences to his family.
