A tragic incident has shaken the social circles of London's elite, as beloved socialite Benjamin (Ben) Duncan, a close friend of the Prince and Princess of Wales, has passed away at the age of 40. The circumstances of his death, involving a fall from the roof of the prestigious Trafalgar St. James hotel in London's West End, have left many in shock and mourning.
Duncan, a former resident of the University of St Andrews where he first met William and Kate, had become a well-known media personality through his appearances on TV shows, including the reality TV series Big Brother. His death, described as unexpected but not suspicious, has sparked an outpouring of grief from his friends and colleagues.
In a touching tribute, broadcaster Mike Hollingsworth wrote 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."
Duncan's extensive network of well-connected friends included Labour grandee Lord Peter Mandelson, Tory Michael Portillo, former WAG Lizzie Cundy, and designer Nicky Haslam. One anonymous friend described him as the "life and soul of the party," highlighting his true passions for politics and music. However, in recent years, Duncan had become more reclusive and struggled with insomnia, adding a layer of complexity to his sudden passing.
As the community grapples with this loss, it serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of supporting one another during times of grief. The Samaritans offer a confidential helpline for those in need, emphasizing the availability of support for those experiencing distress or struggling to cope.
