The Royal Family and the year 2024 have not seen eye to eye. Since the start of the year, there have been many instances that have hit the Royal Family and deeply affected them. From King Charles’ health to Kate Middleton’s abdominal surgery and the aftermath of the photoshopped Mother’s Day post.
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Amidst this, it was shared earlier this month that Thomas Kingston has passed away. Thomas was married to the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent - Lady Gabriella Windsor. The couple had only been married for 5 years as Palace announced his death in an official statement.
Thomas Kingston’s funeral that took place on March 12
Thomas’ death came as a shock to the Royal Family, especially Prince William, who is understood to be ‘shocked and devastated.’ The 45-year-old was very well-liked within the royal circles and had known many of the younger royals for many. The cause of his death is identified as a ‘catastrophic head injury.’
According to The Mirror, mourners gathered on Tuesday, March 12, at the Chapel Royal in St James’ Palace in London. The funeral service was followed by a reception. The private ceremony started at 11.30 am as Kingston’s coffin was brought from the chapel of Kensington Palace accompanied by close family.
The congregation was of around 140 people - mostly close friends and family of Lady Gabriella and the Kingstons. Among them there was also, the Prince of Wales, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra, reports TheMirror.
King Charles - who recently lost his close friend - and Queen Camilla had previously sent their ‘most heartfelt thoughts and prayers’ to Gabriella and Kingston’s family but were unable to attend the service. Palace sources said a larger-scale memorial service for Mr Kingston is likely to be held in due course.
Why is March 12 important for Lady Gabriella and Thomas?
The funeral that took place on March 12 holds a special importance for the couple. It is especially poignant for his widow, Lady Gabriella Windsor, as it was exactly nine years ago today that they made their first public outing as a couple, as per The Express. In 2015, the pair attended the Cheltenham Festival together.
The couple got married on May 18 2019 at St George's Chapel in Windsor - one year after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot at the same venue. Lady Gabriella and Thomas were last seen together on Valentine's Day at the National Gallery in central London. They attended an event that celebrated the works of William Shakespeare.
Lady Gabriella is a member of the Royal Family but she is not a working royal. Her father Prince Michael is a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Her husband was found dead at his parents' home in Gloucestershire on February 25 in an outbuilding on the property. An inquest confirmed he died from a head wound.
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Sources Used
Mirror: Thomas Kingston's funeral date has heartbreaking significance for his widow
Mirror: Thomas Kingston's heartbreaking final hours before he was found dead at £3m mansion
The Express: Sweet reason Thomas Kingston's funeral was today and poignant meaning for Lady Gabriella
