In a bizarre and tragic incident that has rocked both British high society and India’s elite business circles, Prince William’s longtime friend and billionaire businessman, Sunjay Kapur, has died at the age of 53 after a freak accident during a polo match in England. The fatal episode underscores just how fragile life can be — even for those at the top of the social and financial ladders.
Kapur, chairman of global car parts empire Sona Comstar, was enjoying what should have been a routine polo match, a favorite pastime among the British aristocracy and global elite. But during the game, Kapur was stung by a bee directly on his mouth — an incredibly rare but dangerous event. According to reports, the sting triggered anaphylactic shock, causing his throat to swell and his blood pressure to plummet. The reaction led to cardiac arrest, and despite medical intervention, Kapur could not be saved.
Medical experts explain that stings inside the mouth are especially lethal. Swelling can rapidly block airways, preventing oxygen from reaching the brain and heart, often leading to a fatal outcome within minutes.
The shocking news comes as a double blow to Kapur’s family, friends, and business associates, many of whom took to social media to mourn the sudden loss. Just hours before his untimely death, Kapur had expressed his condolences for the victims of a devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 241 lives. In a final post on X, he wrote: “Terrible news of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected. May they find strength in this difficult hour.”
The tragic accident has not only shaken Kapur’s inner circle but has also reverberated through Britain’s royal polo community, where he was a familiar figure. Kapur frequently played in exclusive polo matches across the United Kingdom, often rubbing shoulders with members of the royal family, including the Prince of Wales himself.
Suhel Seth, a prominent author and actor, posted a heartfelt tribute: “Deeply saddened at the passing of @sunjaykapur: he passed away earlier today in England. A terrible loss and deepest condolences to his family and to his colleagues.”
Kapur’s company, Sona Comstar, also released a statement honoring his legacy: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden demise of our Chairman, Mr. Sunjay Kapur. He was a visionary leader whose passion, insight and dedication shaped the identity and success of our company.”
While Kapur was a fixture among royals and celebrities, his personal life was not without turmoil. He was previously married to Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, with whom he shared two children. Their 13-year marriage ended in a highly publicized and bitter divorce in 2016, which included allegations of domestic strife and heated custody battles. Following their separation, Kapur married former model Priya Sachdev in 2017, and the couple welcomed a son, Azarias, the following year.
The tragic loss of Sunjay Kapur is yet another reminder that wealth and status offer no immunity from the unpredictability of life. As the elites of Britain and India alike mourn his passing, the strange and sudden nature of his death only deepens the shock and sadness surrounding this high-profile tragedy.
Kensington Palace has yet to issue any formal comment on the death of the Prince’s longtime friend.
