Thomas Kingston's death 'impulsive', barrister says

Thomas Kingston was described as an "exceptional man" following his death

Thomas Kingston's death has been described as "unexpected" and "impulsive" at a pre-inquest review.

Mr Kingston, the husband of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent's daughter, Lady Gabriella Kingston, died from a catastrophic head injury on 25 February.

A gun was found near his body at his parents' home in the Cotswolds.

At Gloucester Coroner's Court on Tuesday, Martin Porter KC said the Kingston family had been "advised that there could be a connection" between Mr Kingston's medication and his state of mind.

Financier Mr Kingston, 45, married Lady Gabriella at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in 2019, with Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, among the guests.

At the pre-inquest review, Mr Porter told the court: "The inquiry shouldn’t be limited to the very final cause of death, which is clear and obvious."

Katy Skerrett, senior coroner for Gloucestershire, said the "recent prescription should be part of the scope," adding: "I agree with Mr Porter, however I do caveat strongly that whether a causative link will be established is a very different matter."

Mr Kingston’s parents attended the hearing and the court heard his father Martin Kingston will give evidence to the inquest on behalf of the family.

Lady Gabriella did not attend.

'Closure'

Mr Porter said Mr Kingston’s death was “unexpected” and “impulsive”, adding: “There was no pre-planning – on the contrary there was planning for the future.”

Lady Gabriella paid tribute to her husband in a joint statement with his family following his death, describing him as an "exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him".

The King and Queen sent their "most heartfelt thoughts and prayers" to the King's second cousin Lady Gabriella, and Mr Kingston’s parents and siblings.

The coroner indicated she wants Mr Kingston’s inquest to take place before the end of the year, saying: "I am conscious of the family having some closure before the end of the year."

No date was officially fixed for the inquest, but all parties have been asked for availability for early December.