A former college classmate of Prince William and Kate Middleton has died in a tragic 100-foot fall from a London hotel rooftop, marking the end of a life that witnessed the royal romance’s early beginnings.
Story Highlights
- Ben Duncan, 45, fell from London’s Trafalgar St. James Hotel on October 30.
- Duncan attended the University of St. Andrews with William and Kate from 2001 to 2005.
- He witnessed Kate’s iconic fashion show moment that captured William’s attention.
- Duncan later starred on UK reality shows, including “Big Brother” Season 11.
Tragic Death at Westminster Hotel
Ben Duncan died after falling 100 feet from the seven-story Trafalgar St. James Hotel in Westminster on Thursday, October 30. The Metropolitan Police responded to concerns about a man on the Cockspur Street building’s roof at 23:02 hours.
Despite emergency efforts from the London Ambulance Service, Duncan was pronounced dead at the scene. Police described the incident as “unexpected but non-suspicious,” indicating no foul play in the socialite’s death.
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
Witness to Royal Romance History
Duncan shared classrooms and campus life with the future Prince and Princess of Wales at the University of St. Andrews from 2001 to 2005. He provided unique insights into their early relationship, describing the heightened security presence from royal protection officers during their university years.
Duncan recalled how fellow students recognized the developing romance but respected the couple’s privacy, allowing them to navigate their relationship naturally within the academic environment.
The Fashion Show That Changed Everything
Duncan witnessed the pivotal moment when Kate Middleton first captured Prince William’s romantic attention at the university’s famous fashion show during their first year. He described Middleton wearing “a very daring dress, in a sheer stocking-like dress” as she walked the catwalk.
Duncan noted William’s intense reaction, saying his “eyes were like stalks” as Kate “brushed by him on the way to the catwalk.” This moment, Duncan believed, altered “the whole history of the monarchy.”
Reality Television Career and Legacy
After graduating from St. Andrews, Duncan pursued reality television, appearing on Season 11 of the UK’s “Big Brother” in 2010, where he lasted 52 days before elimination. He also appeared on other British shows, including “Come Dine With Me,” “Ladette to Lady,” and “Celebrity Coach Trip.”
Former colleagues and co-stars remembered Duncan fondly on social media, with broadcaster Mike Hollingsworth describing him as living “life as Peter Pan – the boy who never grew up.” “Big Brother” winner Josie Gibson praised his unique humor and wit.
