Prince William’s Polo Friend Dies After Swallowing Bee

The business world and international polo community are mourning the unexpected loss of a prominent industrialist who regularly played alongside Prince William and transformed his family’s company into a global powerhouse.

Sunjay Kapur, the 53-year-old chairman of automotive giant Sona Comstar and longtime polo companion of the Prince of Wales, passed away on Thursday, June 12, during a match at the prestigious Guards Polo Club in Windsor, according to The Telegraph. The successful businessman, described by the outlet as a “billionaire friend of Prince William,” was participating in the subsidiary final of the Queen’s Cup when the medical emergency occurred.

Initial reports from The Telegraph suggested that witnesses heard Kapur say, “I’ve swallowed something,” before the incident. Some sources indicate that a possible bee sting may have triggered anaphylactic shock. However, other accounts suggested he lost consciousness after bending over on his horse during a break in play.

“He was full of life, laughing, joking, then gone in an instant,” an insider told The Mirror about the shocking turn of events.

Kapur’s Life Beyond Polo

Kapur was well-known in elite polo circles for his close sporting relationship with members of the British royal family, particularly Prince William, People reported. His ex-wife, Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, referenced this connection in a 2016 interview. She mentioned an occasion when “[Sunjay] decided to carry on, leaving me behind to take care of our sick four-month-old son, just to play a Polo match with Prince William,” according to The Telegraph.

Beyond his royal connections, Kapur led Sona Comstar as chairman after taking over the company in 2015, following the passing of his father, Dr. Surinder Kapur. Under his guidance, the automotive components manufacturer expanded into a global mobility technology company. The firm is contributing to an estimated value that reportedly added $1.2 billion to his net worth, as reported by Forbes via The Telegraph.

“We 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,” Sona Comstar stated in an official announcement, according to People.

The University of Buckingham graduate and Doon School alumnus was remembered by his alma mater as a “passionate fitness and sport enthusiast and a learner for life,” The Telegraph reported. The school’s statement noted that “He worked to make polo more accessible beyond its traditional roots. Mr Kapur’s enduring commitment to excellence, service, and community leaves a lasting legacy.”

What Friends Remember Most

Beyond his business achievements, Kapur was celebrated for his inclusive approach to life and sport. A close friend shared touching memories with Telegraph Sport about his character and the impact he had on the local community.

“He will be greatly missed not only by his family and friends but the local community around his club as he employed so many people and made so many friends — he was fun, kind and generous. He didn’t distinguish between his grooms or high net worth friends — when he had a party, everyone was invited and everyone was equal,” the friend told Telegraph Sport.

Kapur leaves behind three children from two marriages. He shared daughter Samaira, 20, and son Kiaan, 14, with his former wife, Kapoor, with whom he was married from 2003 to 2016. He later married model Priya Sachdev in 2017, with whom he had a son, Azarias, 7.