In a heartbreaking revelation, the recent inquest into the death of Thomas Kingston has brought to light the potential dangers associated with mental health medications.
Kingston, aged 45, was not just any financier; he was also the son-in-law of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and a close friend of Prince William.
His untimely demise on February 25 at his parents’ home in the Cotswolds has sent shockwaves through the royal family and beyond.
The coroner confirmed that Kingston died from a gunshot wound to the head, with a firearm discovered near his body.
This tragic incident has left many grappling with grief, particularly those who remember the grandeur of his wedding to Lady Gabriella Windsor.
That event, held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, was attended by esteemed figures including the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, marking a high point in Kingston’s life.
During the inquest held at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court, Lady Gabriella, 43, spoke candidly about her husband’s struggles and the pressing need for increased awareness regarding the side effects of antidepressants.
She emphasized that while Kingston faced challenges at work, she firmly believed that these pressures would not have driven him to take such a drastic step.
Senior coroner Katie Scarrett delivered a poignant narrative verdict, stating that Kingston had indeed taken his own life with a shotgun, which resulted in a catastrophic head injury.
However, the testimonies from his wife, family, and business partner painted a different picture, indicating that Kingston had shown no signs of suicidal intent prior to his death.
Lady Gabriella expressed her deep sorrow over the loss of her husband, highlighting his resilience in the face of adversity.
She stated, “If anything had been troubling him, I’m positive that he would have shared that he was struggling severely.” This sentiment underscores the shock felt by those who knew him, as they grapple with the suddenness of his passing.
The circumstances surrounding Kingston’s death reveal a complex interplay between mental health treatment and personal well-being.
He had been prescribed Sertraline and Zopiclone by a general practitioner after experiencing sleep disturbances linked to work-related stress.
However, when he did not feel improvement, he switched to Citalopram, raising questions about the management of his treatment.
Lady Gabriella voiced her concerns about the lack of information available to those prescribed similar medications.
She asserted, “It seems highly likely to me that he had an adverse reaction to the pills that led him to take his life.” Her call for greater awareness resonates strongly, especially in light of the tragic outcome faced by her husband.
