Prince William has been left visibly shaken and reportedly broke down in tears after receiving the devastating news that one of his closest friends, billionaire polo enthusiast Sunjay Kapur, had died suddenly just days before the royal’s 43rd birthday.

The tragic incident unfolded on Thursday, June 12, during a private polo match in Windsor, where members of Britain’s aristocracy and high society had gathered. According to witnesses, Kapur, 53, collapsed after apparently swallowing a bee during a break in play. The sudden reaction is believed to have caused anaphylactic shock, followed by a fatal heart attack.

A Polo Tragedy That Rocked the Royals

Kapur, chairman of global auto parts giant Sona Comstar, was a regular fixture on the elite international polo circuit, where he had developed a close friendship with Prince William over the years.

“He was full of life, laughing, joking—then gone in an instant,” one shocked insider told The Mirror. The unexpected death reportedly left Prince William in tears, according to a palace source who said the prince was “completely devastated” by the loss.

The tragic news reached William just days before his 43rd birthday celebrations at Windsor, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a private, joyful occasion with his family.

‘A Titan of Industry’ and a Familiar Face in Royal Circles

Kapur, who was British-educated and held U.S. citizenship, had an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion, according to Forbes. He was not only a powerful figure in the automotive world but also a well-known personality in both Indian high society and British aristocratic circles.

His company, Sona Comstar, released a statement confirming his passing:

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of Mr. Sunjay J. Kapur… following a sudden heart attack in England, U.K., on 12th June 2025, at the age of 53.”

Tributes poured in from colleagues and friends, describing Kapur as a man of “passion, foresight, and relentless commitment to excellence.”

A Complicated Personal Life, A Royal Bond

Kapur was previously married to Bollywood superstar Karisma Kapoor, with whom he shares two children. Their high-profile divorce in 2016 made headlines, particularly due to allegations of domestic discord.

In one 2016 interview, Karisma accused Kapur of leaving their sick four-month-old son in her care so he could attend a polo match with Prince William—a claim that has resurfaced in light of Kapur’s royal connections.

Following their split, Kapur married model and entrepreneur Priya Sachdev, with whom he continued to appear at global high-society events, including several exclusive matches in the UK, UAE, and India.

Shock and Sorrow Across Two Continents

The shocking nature of Kapur’s death—during a casual social match among friends—has rocked the elite polo world and left many reflecting on the fragility of life. A source close to the family told The Mirror:

“Sunjay was in excellent health. No one could believe what had happened. It’s a shocking reminder of how quickly everything can change.”

For Prince William, the loss is deeply personal. Kapur was more than a polo partner—he was part of the prince’s trusted inner circle, particularly during more private moments away from the spotlight.

As William marks his birthday quietly with Princess Catherine and their children at Adelaide Cottage, friends say he is still reeling from the loss.

“It’s been a somber lead-up to what should have been a celebration,” a palace insider said. “Sunjay’s death has left a hole in his heart.”