The inquest into the death of Thomas Kingston will look at whether his “state of mind was affected by medication”, a pre-inquest review hearing has stated.
The husband of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent’s daughter, Lady Gabriella Kingston, tragically died from a catastrophic head injuryon February 25. A gun was found near his body at a Gloucestershire manor where his parents lived.
During a pre-inquest review hearing at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court on October 8, Martin Porter KC said: “The inquiry shouldn’t be limited to the very final cause of death, which is clear and obvious.” He went on to say the inquest should include “Mr Kingston’s state of mind and whether that state of mind was affected by medication he had taken”.
Katy Skerrett, a senior coroner for Gloucestershire, said the “recent prescription… should be part of the scope”, adding: “I agree with Mr Porter, however, I do caveat strongly that whether a causative link will be established is a very different matter.”
Mr Porter also said Mr Kingston’s death was “unexpected” and “impulsive” He added: “There was no pre-planning – on the contrary there was planning for the future.”
The family’s lawyer told the court the possible link between medication and his state of mind “therefore justifies investigation”.
Mr Kingston’s parents attended the hearing and the court heard his father, Martin Kingston, will give evidence to the inquest on behalf of the family. Lady Gabriella, 43, did not attend Tuesday’s hearing.
Lady Gabriella previously paid tribute to her husband in a joint statement with his family following his death, describing him as an “exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him”.
The King and Queen also sent their “most heartfelt thoughts and prayers” to Lady Gabriella, who is known as Ella, and Mr Kingston’s parents and siblings.
The coroner indicated she wants Mr Kingston’s inquest to take place before the end of the year, saying: “I am conscious of the family having some closure before the end of the year.”
No date was officially fixed for the inquest, but all parties have been asked for availability in early December.
