On February 25th, 2024, a somber revelation unfolded as Thomas Kingston, the husband of Lady Gabriella Kingston and son-in-law of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, died by suicide at the age of 45, according to a Coroner’s inquest. The former diplomat and financier, married to Lady Gabriella since 2019, was found lifeless with a gunshot wound to his head in an outbuilding at his parents’ home in the Cotswolds.
Buckingham Palace, in a brief and subdued statement on February 26th, 2024, announced the shocking news without disclosing the cause of death. The statement conveyed grief from King Charles, Queen Camila, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, and all who knew Kingston, emphasizing his role as a cherished family member and requesting privacy.
However, the mystery surrounding Kingston’s death deepened, prompting media and public speculation on what could have driven him to such a desperate act. Despite a successful career in diplomacy and finance, a happy marriage with Lady Gabriella, and a supportive relationship with his parents, Robert and Jane Kingston, who were affluent landowners and farmers, Kingston faced a darker reality. The inquest, held at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court on March 1st, 2024, unveiled a complex side of his life marked by depression and anxiety, compounded by financial and professional difficulties.
According to evidence presented by the coroner, Dr. Sarah Jones, Kingston had been battling mental health issues for years, undergoing therapy and medication. His private equity firm, Devonport Capital, suffered from the global economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, facing legal troubles and investigations for alleged fraud and corruption.
Additionally, personal and family pressures, including struggles to conceive with Lady Gabriella, contributed to his emotional distress. Feeling isolated from the royal family, especially after the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and enduring online abuse, Kingston grappled with immense challenges.
Heartbreaking testimony from Kingston’s parents detailed his final moments. They described his cheerful demeanor during a visit and a sudden tragic turn. Kingston’s father discovered his body in a locked outbuilding, leading to an unsuccessful attempt to save him.
Devastated and heartbroken, his parents expressed no prior knowledge of his suicidal thoughts. The inquest concluded with a verdict of suicide, highlighting the need for increased awareness and support for mental health, especially among men.
Dr. Jones extended condolences to Kingston’s family and friends, emphasizing the importance of seeking help for those struggling with mental health issues. The unexpected loss of Thomas Kingston shed light on the pressures he faced and underscored the necessity of mental health awareness, support, and suicide prevention. His tragic passing served as a poignant reminder of life’s challenges and the value of compassion and love.