Sophie Winkleman has spoken candidly about the profound impact of her brother-in-law Thomas Kingston’s tragic death. In a recent interview with The Times, the 45-year-old actress, married to Lord Frederick Windsor, shared her family’s ongoing grief following Kingston’s suicide in February 2024. “That was a big tragedy in our lives, and we all miss him every day,” she remarked.
Kingston, who was 45, died at his parents’ home in the Cotswolds, leaving a significant void in the lives of those close to him, including his wife, Lady Gabriella, who is Winkleman’s sister-in-law. Winkleman expressed her daughters’ deep affection for Kingston, stating, “My girls adored him. It’s brutal. We’re still in touch with all his family, and it feels like he’s still with us.”
The pain of loss was compounded for Lady Gabriella, who revealed during a December 2024 inquest that she believed Kingston’s death was influenced by a new medication he had been prescribed shortly before his passing. She described Kingston’s action as impulsive, likely triggered by an adverse reaction to medication. “If anything had been troubling him, I’m positive that he would have shared that he was struggling severely,” she noted.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, Lord Frederick Windsor has taken steps to honor Kingston’s memory by collaborating with James’ Place, a charity dedicated to helping men with suicidal thoughts. Sophie reflected on this initiative, acknowledging the stark difference between one’s exterior and inner struggles, emphasizing how such events heighten awareness of mental health issues.
In the interview, Winkleman also recounted a near-fatal car accident she experienced in 2017, which resulted in a long recovery and a newfound perspective on life’s challenges. Throughout her journey, she engaged in charity work that opened her eyes to the hardships faced by others, fostering a sense of gratitude for her own fortunate circumstances.
Expressing empathy towards the royal family, Winkleman acknowledged the relentless scrutiny they endure. She highlighted that unlike many public figures, royals did not choose the spotlight, which can create an immense and unhealthy pressure from a young age. Her insights provide a profound commentary on the intersection of celebrity, mental health, and societal expectations, encapsulating a sobering reflection on life’s fragility and the importance of compassion in times of grief.