London, UK — November 4, 2025 — A tragic accident claimed the life of socialite and reality TV star Ben Duncan, 45, who fell approximately 100 feet from the rooftop bar of the luxury Trafalgar St. James Hotel in central London late on Thursday.
What Happened
Police received a call at 23:02 BST from the hotel on Cockspur Street, Westminster, reporting a man on the roof. Officers found Duncan on Spring Gardens, just off Trafalgar Square, after he reportedly fell from the rooftop bar area. Despite attempts by the London Ambulance Service, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is treated as unexpected and non-suspicious.
Background & Connection to Royalty
Duncan studied at University of St Andrews alongside Prince William and Kate Middleton during the period when the royal couple first began their relationship, and was said to be part of their early social circle. The Standard
He later gained attention through appearances on reality shows including Big Brother (Season 11), alongside credits on shows such as Come Dine With Me and Celebrity Coach Trip.
Reaction & Aftermath
Tributes poured in for Duncan, with friends describing him as “the life and soul of the party” who struggled in recent years with insomnia and had become more reclusive. The Standard
As the investigation continues, hotel management and local authorities declined immediate comment, noting only that police regard the death as “unexpected but non-suspicious”.
Why It Matters
- The incident highlights safety concerns at rooftop venues in busy city centres.
- The connection to the royal circle brings heightened public and media attention.
- It serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life behind high-society glamour.
