Mystery over Prince William's absence as Palace confirms it's not over Kate's health or pal's death

Mystery continues to shroud Prince William's absence from a high profile royal event on Tuesday where he was due to give a reading – but the Palace have confirmed it is unconnected to the death of his friend Thomas Kingston.

Kensington Palace tonight confirmed William did not pull out of the King Constantine Memorial Service at Windsor Castle due to the tragic passing of Mr Kingston, who was the husband of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent’s daughter Lady Gabriella Kingston. Mr Kingston, 45, was found dead on Sunday evening at an address in Gloucestershire.

The Palace said the Prince of Wales, 41, was absent due to "a personal matter" but clarified it was also not in relation to the Princess of Wales' continued recovery at home in Windsor from abdominal surgery last month. A source said: "The Princess of Wales continues to be doing well."

Nevertheless, Camilla led the royals at the service for the last King of Greece, who was William's godfather. Charles, who is being treated for cancer, also missed the service at St George's Chapel in honour of Constantine, his second cousin. The monarch, 75, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer just over a fortnight ago, is not carrying out public duties while he has treatment.

Since the service, Buckingham Palace announced the death of Mr Kingston, a financier whom wed Lady Gabriella Kingston in May 2019. The man's family said Mr Kingston "lit up the lives of all who knew him" in a poignant tribute tonight.

The statement on behalf of Lady Kingston, Mr Martin and Mrs Jill Kingston, Mrs Joanna Connolly and Mrs Emma Murray said: “It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the death of Thomas Kingston, our beloved husband, son and brother.

“Tom was an exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him. His death has come as a great shock to the whole family and we ask you to respect our privacy as we mourn his passing.”

Emergency services were called to the address in Gloucestershire shortly after 6pm on Sunday. An inquest will be held to establish the cause of death but there are no suspicious circumstances and no other parties involved. The King and Queen have sent their “most heartfelt thoughts and prayers” to Lady Kingston and Mr Kingston’s family.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “The King and the Queen have been informed of Thomas’s death and join Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and all those who knew him in grieving a much-loved member of the family. In particular, Their Majesties send their most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Gabriella and to all the Kingston family.”

Lady Gabriella, who is a writer and contributing editor, married Mr Kingston at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on May 18, 2019. Mr Kingston, who was a financier, and Lady Gabriella got engaged the previous year on the Isle of Sark, part of the Channel Islands. In June 2019, Mr Kingston made his first-ever appearance at Trooping the Colour, an annual parade held in honour of Queen Elizabeth's birthday.