A tragic accident has claimed the life of Michael Brudenell-Bruce, the 98-year-old 8th Marquess of Ailesbury, and a relative of Prince Harry’s ex-girlfriend, Florence Brudenell-Bruce. The elderly man fell from his bedroom window while attempting to let his cat, Honeybun, out. The fall resulted in a fatal head injury, and he was found by his longtime girlfriend, Teresa Marshall de Paoli, in a pool of blood.
Teresa, who had been with the marquess for over 30 years, described the incident as a freak accident. She explained that he likely lost his balance while opening the window to free the cat, which had gotten stuck. Despite the rapid arrival of emergency services, the marquess was pronounced dead at the scene. The police initially treated the scene as a potential crime, but no foul play was suspected, and Teresa was not arrested.
The couple had spent 16 years living on their estate in Wiltshire before moving to Shepherd’s Bush, West London. The Marquess had been divorced three times and was known for his service in the Royal Horse Guards and his career as a stockbroker. His granddaughter, Bo Bruce, is a former contestant on The Voice.
The police confirmed the death, stating it was an unexpected event but not suspicious. His relatives have been informed, and Teresa was able to say her final goodbyes to the marquess before he was taken away.
