Thomas Kingston, the husband of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent’s daughter Lady Gabriella Kingston, died from 'traumatic head wound', an inquest opening at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court heard.
The court also heard how a gun was found near to his body in an outbuilding at his parent’s home in the Cotswolds.
Kingston married Lady Gabriella Kingston - who is the daughter of the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent - back in 2019.
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The late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Michael were first cousins on their father's side.
He was found dead aged 45 at an address in Gloucestershire on Sunday 25 February, with emergency services having been called to the property at 6.00pm.
Lady Gabriella and Kingston's family paid tribute in a joint statement, where they described his untimely death as a 'great shock to the whole family'.
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They said: “It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the death of Thomas Kingston, our beloved husband, son and brother.
“Tom was an exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him. His death has come as a great shock to the whole family and we ask you to respect our privacy as we mourn his passing.”
Opening the inquest at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court, senior coroner Katy Skerrett confirmed the initial cause of death.
"I have received evidence of the brief circumstances surrounding this tragic incident also in written format, which complies with Rule 23 of the Coroner’s Rules 2013," she said.
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“These brief circumstances are as follows. Mr Kingston was visiting his parents’ home in the Cotswolds. On February 25 2024 he ate lunch with his parents. His father went out to walk the dogs.
“On his return Mr Kingston was not in the house and after approximately 30 minutes his mother went to look for him. His father forced entry on a locked out building when no reply could be gained.
“He found Mr Kingston deceased with a catastrophic head injury. A gun was present at the scene. Emergency services were called. Police are satisfied the death is not suspicious."
Skerrett added: “A post mortem has been undertaken by Dr Jones, a consultant histopathologist, and a provisional cause of death has been given as 1a traumatic wound to head.
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“Having been satisfied with identification, initial cause of death and the brief circumstances surrounding Mr Kingston’s death, I can formally open this inquest."
In the wake of Kingston's death, the King and Queen sent their 'most heartfelt thoughts and prayers', with a Buckingham Palace spokesperson saying in a statement on 27 February: "The King and the Queen have been informed of Thomas's death and join Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and all those who knew him in grieving a much-loved member of the family.
"In particular, Their Majesties send their most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Gabriella and to all the Kingston family."
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Kingston worked in frontier market investment and was the director of Devonport Capital, having earlier graduated from Bristol University with a bachelor's degree in economic history.
Kingston has previously also worked in the Diplomatic Missions Unit of the United Kingdom's Foreign Office before making the move over to finance.
Back in 2018, it was announced that Kingston was engaged to Lady Gabriella - who is 56th in line to the throne - with the pair tying the knot the following year.
Topics: Royal Family
Jess Hardiman