Prince William and Kate Middleton Mourn the Loss of University Friend Ben Duncan
LONDON – Prince William and Princess Kate are mourning the death of Ben Duncan, a close friend from their university days at St. Andrews, who has died at the age of 45. Duncan, a British television personality best known for his appearance on Big Brother UK, passed away leaving behind a legacy of charm and wit, according to friends.
Duncan’s connection to the Prince and Princess dates back to their time at St. Andrews, where he was a couple of years their senior. He remained a fixture in their social circle even after graduation,reportedly being part of their “inner circle” until his rise to celebrity. The news of his death has prompted an outpouring of grief from those who knew him, including British presenter Mike hollingsworth, who described Duncan as living “life as Peter Pan.”
The friendship gained public attention through Duncan’s recollections of a pivotal moment in William and Kate’s relationship: the fashion show where Kate Middleton famously walked the runway in a sheer dress. “It was the end of their first year. I was there, there were a lot of stunning girls. Kate wore a very bold dress, a transparent sock-like dress. William sat in the front row and didn’t take his eyes off her. From that moment the entire history of the Monarchy changed,” Duncan once shared.
Duncan was invited to William and Kate’s wedding in 2011, demonstrating the enduring nature of their bond. Beyond his royal connections, Duncan cultivated friendships with prominent figures such as Lord Peter Mandelson, Michael portillo, and Nicky Haslam. Hollingsworth’s tribute on Facebook concluded with a poignant sentiment: “The world is a poorer place after his passing. Rest in peace Benji.”
