What was meant to be a peaceful family retreat in Norfolk has turned into a time of heartbreak for the Prince and Princess of Wales. Prince William and Princess Catherine, who had been enjoying a rare break with their three children at Anmer Hall, received shocking and devastating news — the sudden death of their close friend, Sunjay Kapur.

The 53-year-old billionaire businessman, a regular face in royal polo circles and a personal friend of William, collapsed and died during a polo match in Windsor on June 12. According to reports from The Telegraph and The Mirror, Kapur suffered anaphylactic shock after a bee possibly stung him in the mouth mid-game. Witnesses said the tragedy unfolded in moments.

“He was full of life, laughing, joking, then gone in an instant,” one insider recalled.

Kapur, chairman of global auto-parts giant Sona Comstar, was known for his charm, generosity, and close friendships across the polo community — including with the Prince of Wales. William had played alongside him in several charity polo matches over the years, and the pair shared a warm camaraderie both on and off the field.

Sources say the news hit the royal couple particularly hard. The timing, in the middle of their summer break at Norfolk, made it even more difficult as they had been in a relaxed family setting when the tragic call came through.

A Man Loved by All

Friends describe Kapur as a man who treated everyone equally — whether they were royal acquaintances, fellow polo players, or his grooms. “When he had a party, everyone was invited and everyone was equal,” one friend told Telegraph Sport.

Beyond polo, Kapur was a devoted father. He shared two children with his ex-wife, Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor, and a young son with his wife Priya Sachdev.

A Final Act of Kindness

In a poignant twist, just hours before his own death, Kapur posted a heartfelt message on X, offering prayers to the families of victims in the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad.

The Mayo Clinic notes that anaphylaxis can be fatal within minutes if untreated, with symptoms including airway constriction and a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Royal Mourning

For William and Catherine, the loss is more than just a headline — it’s the loss of a friend who had shared countless memories at charity events, on polo fields, and in private gatherings. Royal insiders say the couple will be sending personal condolences to Kapur’s family and are likely to honor his memory in some way in the months ahead.

This tragic news has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a joyful summer with their children — a reminder that even in royal circles, heartbreak can arrive without warning.