Key Point Summary โ Prince Williamโs Friend Dies
- Sunjay Kapur collapsed during a polo match in Windsor on June 12
- The 53-year-old billionaire reportedly swallowed a bee and went into anaphylactic shock
- Kapur was close to Prince William and played polo with the royal regularly
- He was formerly married to Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor and had three children
- Just hours before his death, he posted sympathy for Air India crash victims
- Kapurโs death follows a violent attack on his former brother-in-law, Saif Ali Khan
- His company, Sona Comstar, mourned the loss of their โvisionaryโ chairman
Polo Turns Fatal as Prince Williamโs Friend Collapses
Sunjay Kapur, a billionaire businessman and longtime polo companion of Prince William, died suddenly on June 12 after a horrifying incident during a match in Windsor. Witnesses say the 53-year-old collapsed shortly after announcing, โIโve swallowed something.โ
Reports from The Mirror and The Telegraph suggest that Kapur may have swallowed a bee, which triggered fatal anaphylactic shock. The automotive tycoon, known for his charm and energy, was laughing and chatting just moments before collapsing, according to sources on the field.
โHe was full of lifeโฆ then gone in an instant,โ one friend told The Mirror.
Shock Death During Match Stuns Royal Circles
Kapurโs unexpected death has stunned those close to him, including members of the British royal family. He was an active figure in Englandโs elite polo scene and had played numerous matches alongside Prince William.
Friends say he made no distinction between royalty, wealthy peers, or employees. โEveryone was equal at his parties,โ one source told The Telegraph. โHe was fun, kind, and generous.โ
According to medical sources, anaphylaxis can kill within minutes if not treated immediately. It often results from insect venom, like bee stings, and causes airways to swell and blood pressure to crash.
Kapurโs Final Post Showed Compassion
Just hours before his fatal collapse, Kapur posted a heartfelt message on social media. He reacted to the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, writing, โMy thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected.โ
That message would be his last. By nightfall, the globe-trotting billionaire had become the focus of a shocking headline.
Kapur leaves behind three children: two from his previous marriage to Karisma Kapoorโdaughter Samaira, 20, and son Kiaan, 14โand a 7-year-old son, Azarias, from his second marriage to model Priya Sachdev.
Family Faces Another Tragedy
The Kapur family has endured more than one tragedy this year. In January, Kapurโs former brother-in-law, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, was stabbed multiple times during a violent home invasion in Mumbai. He was treated for a serious spinal injury but made a full recovery.
Now, the family is mourning a different kind of devastationโa sudden, public, and deeply personal loss. Kapurโs ex-wife Karisma has not yet released a statement.
A Giant in Industry and Sport
Kapur chaired Sona Comstar, a major supplier of automotive parts. The company was originally founded by his father, Dr. Surinder Kapur, in 1987. Sunjay took the reins and helped grow the brand into a global player.
In a statement, the company said, โWe 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.โ
The corporate world, Bollywood community, and even royal circles now grieve the loss of a man who moved easily between them all.
Prince Williamโs Inner Circle Shaken
Kapur wasnโt just a wealthy man with elite connectionsโhe was a true friend to those who knew him. His close ties to Prince William extended beyond polo. The two reportedly bonded over shared interests and mutual respect.
Sources say the royal is โdeeply saddenedโ by the loss. Thereโs no official palace statement yet, but insiders confirm William was informed immediately after the incident.
As details continue to emerge, one thing is clear: the death of Sunjay Kapur has rocked more than one worldโroyalty, sport, and family alike. A life full of power and passion ended in a shocking instant.