Michael Brudenell-Bruce, the 98-year-old 8th Marquess of Ailesbury and a relative of Florence Brudenell-Bruce, tragically died after falling from a bedroom window in his West London home while trying to let his cat, Honeybun, out. He struck his head on the concrete patio below and was discovered in a pool of blood by his long-term girlfriend of over 30 years, Teresa Marshall de Paoli. Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene.

The fall was described as a “freak accident,” with no evidence of foul play. Teresa explained that the cat had likely gotten stuck, prompting the Marquess to push the window open and lose his balance. She attempted to make him comfortable while waiting for emergency responders, who arrived within seven minutes. The coroner has been informed, and the police treated the scene as routine, though initially considering it a potential crime scene.

Lady Kathryn Brudenell-Bruce, his daughter, was called to the property after the incident, and she, along with Teresa, spent the night in the drawing room while police conducted their inquiries. Michael Brudenell-Bruce had previously lived on his family’s 4,500-acre estate in Savernake Forest near Swindon and had a notable life that included attending Eton, serving as a captain in the Royal Horse Guards, and later becoming a stockbroker.

He was divorced three times and was grandfather to singer Bo Bruce, known from BBC’s The Voice. Authorities confirmed that his death, while unexpected, is not being treated as suspicious. Friends and relatives have been notified of the tragedy.