Home / Royal Mail / Royals rally around grieving Lady Gabriella Windsor as she gets a warm hug from Zara Tindall at Royal Ascot – after getting an invite from King Charles to take part in the carriage procession for the first time

Royals rally around grieving Lady Gabriella Windsor as she gets a warm hug from Zara Tindall at Royal Ascot – after getting an invite from King Charles to take part in the carriage procession for the first time

Lady Gabriella Windsor appeared in the carriage procession at Royal Ascot today, making her first official public appearance since the tragic death of her husband, Thomas Kingston in February.

The event will have been particularly poignant for the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent as she attended the society race event last year with her late husband. 

War hero and financier Kingston died by suicide on February 25th at the age of 45 at his parents’ home in the Cotswolds. 

Today, as grieving Gabriella, who was still wearing her wedding and engagement rings, attended the first day of Ascot, she was pictured arriving in a carriage accompanied by Princess Anne, and her son Peter Phillips. 

The royal family have proved a strong beacon of support for the 43-year-old in recent months, and today was no different, with an image showing King Charles’ niece Zara Tindall warmly embracing Gabriella.

Zara Tindall is pictured embracing Lady Gabriella Kingston as they both attend day one of Royal Ascot in Berkshire

Today marks the first day of the famous equestrian event, which is a favourite among members of The Firm (pictured: Zara Tindall)

Today marks the first day of the famous equestrian event, which is a favourite among members of The Firm (pictured: Zara Tindall)

Lady Gabriella Kingston (pictured, right) arrives at the event in a carriage, accompanied by Princess Anne (pictured, left)

Lady Gabriella Kingston (pictured, right) arrives at the event in a carriage, accompanied by Princess Anne (pictured, left)

Meanwhile, at another point, Lady Gabriella was seen speaking with Princess Eugenie, who was among the members of The Firm who attended the equestrian event. 

While today marked her first official public appearance, Ella, as she is known by friends, made a low-key appearance at Trooping the Colour at the weekend, after being invited by the King. 

She was seen watching the parade with family inside the palace, including her brother, Lord Frederik Windsor and his wife, Sophie Winkleman, whom she stood next to. 

Lady Gabriella was photographed observing the performance behind Princess Anne, her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence and the Duke of Kent.

Lady Gabriella hung back from the balcony and watched the RAF flypast from inside Buckingham Palace.

Along with other junior royals, Ella had made regular appearances on the balcony until the arrival of Covid-19 in early 2020.

For Saturday’s event, Lady Gabriella put on an elegant display in a light pink ensemble and matching fascinator.

Her appearance comes after her husband was found to have died from a ‘traumatic head wound’, an inquest heard in March. His death was not being treated as suspicious, and no one else was involved.

Lady Gabriella Windsor and her late husband Thomas Kingston at Royal Ascot in 2023; grieving Lady Gabriella will return to the event today supported by members of the royal family as she joins them for the first time in the carriage procession

Lady Gabriella Windsor and her late husband Thomas Kingston at Royal Ascot in 2023; grieving Lady Gabriella will return to the event today supported by members of the royal family as she joins them for the first time in the carriage procession

Thomas Kingston was found to have died from a 'traumatic head wound', an inquest heard in March (Pictured at Wimbledon, 2019)

Thomas Kingston was found to have died from a ‘traumatic head wound’, an inquest heard in March (Pictured at Wimbledon, 2019)

King Charles is pictured (left) at the horse racing event with his wife Queen Camilla (right) and niece Zara Tindall (centre)

King Charles is pictured (left) at the horse racing event with his wife Queen Camilla (right) and niece Zara Tindall (centre)

As well as attending Royal Ascot today, Lady Gabriella Windsor (pictured) was at Trooping the Colour last Saturday

As well as attending Royal Ascot today, Lady Gabriella Windsor (pictured) was at Trooping the Colour last Saturday

Lady Gabriella Kingston (pictured) is known as Ella by her friends,

The 43-year-old was snapped smiling as she arrived at the event today

Lady Gabriella Kingston (pictured) who is known as Ella by her friends, is pictured smiling as she arrives at the event 

Today marked the first official public appearance of Lady Gabriella Windsor (pictured, centre) since her husband's death in February. Sharing a carriage with Princess Anne (pictured, left) and Peter Phillips (pictured, right), the 43-year-old smiled and waved at the crowds

Today marked the first official public appearance of Lady Gabriella Windsor (pictured, centre) since her husband’s death in February. Sharing a carriage with Princess Anne (pictured, left) and Peter Phillips (pictured, right), the 43-year-old smiled and waved at the crowds

Princess Eugenie looked chic in a pale green frock and cream ha

The royal was snapped while appearing to enjoy a conversation with a fellow Ascot attendee

Princess Eugenie, who looked chic in a pale green frock and cream hat, was snapped while chatting with another guest

Princess Eugenie was among numerous members of the Royal Family who attended the first day of Ascot today

Princess Eugenie was among numerous members of the Royal Family who attended the first day of Ascot today

King Charles (pictured, left) and Queen Camilla (pictured, right) are seen arriving at Royal Ascot in a carriage

King Charles (pictured, left) and Queen Camilla (pictured, right) are seen arriving at Royal Ascot in a carriage

Despite his busy schedule, the king appeared delighted to be attending Ascot

Just days earlier, he was at Trooping the Colour, one of the main events in the royal calendar

It has been a busy few days for the king (pictured), with Trooping the Colour on Saturday, and Royal Ascot this week

The royal couple were seen waving at the assembled crowds as their carriage arrived at the event (pictured L-R: King Charles; Queen Camilla)

The royal couple were seen waving at the assembled crowds as their carriage arrived at the event (pictured L-R: King Charles; Queen Camilla)

Queen Camilla wore a royal blue ensemble for day one of Ascot

She coordinated her dress coat with a wide-brimmed hat in the same shade

The Queen wore a royal blue ensemble, coordinating her dress coat with a wide-brimmed hat in the same shade

King Charles appears in good spirits as he beams at people while making his way across the event with Queen Camilla

King Charles appears in good spirits as he beams at people while making his way across the event with Queen Camilla

Looking dapper in a top hat and tails, King Charles (pictured) carried an umbrella as he strode around Ascot

Looking dapper in a top hat and tails, King Charles (pictured) carried an umbrella as he strode around Ascot

Zara and Mike Tindall were among the royals at Ascot today

Zara Tindall is the daughter of Princess Anne and the niece of King Charles

King Charles’ niece Zara Tindall (pictured) was among the royals at Ascot today, attending with her husband Mike Tindall (pictured) 

SAY CHEESE! Zara and Mike Tindall (pictured) were seen posing for a selfie with another Ascot attendee

SAY CHEESE! Zara and Mike Tindall (pictured) were seen posing for a selfie with another Ascot attendee

Mike Tindall, pictured looking dapper in a smart suit and top hat, is thought to be among the most popular royals

Mike Tindall, pictured looking dapper in a smart suit and top hat, is thought to be among the most popular royals

The 43-year-old was pictured with her arm around Mike Tindall's shoulders, as he wrapped a comforting arm around her waist

The 43-year-old was pictured with her arm around Mike Tindall’s shoulders, as he wrapped a comforting arm around her waist

King Charles made a number of public appearances recently - despite his ongoing cancer treatment

The royal attended Trooping the Colour on Saturday, before appearing at Ascot today

Despite receiving treatment for cancer, King Charles (pictured) still has a busy schedule. His Ascot appearance followed his attendance at Trooping the Colour on Saturday

Snapped while arriving at Royal Ascot in a carriage today, King Charles (pictured) appeared to be very happy, and was beaming

Snapped while arriving at Royal Ascot in a carriage today, King Charles (pictured) appeared to be very happy, and was beaming

The Royal Family has reportedly provided much support 43-year-old Lady Gabriella Windsor in recent months, following the tragic death of her husband

The Royal Family has reportedly provided much support 43-year-old Lady Gabriella Windsor in recent months, following the tragic death of her husband

Lady Gabriella travelled to the horsey event by carriage, alongside Princess Anne and her son Peter Phillips

Lady Gabriella travelled to the horsey event by carriage, alongside Princess Anne and her son Peter Phillips

Princess Anne is pictured at Royal Ascot today, the first day of the event

The royal famously loves horses, and was a professional equestrian

It’s no surprise that Princess Anne (pictured) was among the royals at Ascot today – she has a famous fascination with horses

Racing manager John Warren (pictured, left) and Princess Anne's son Peter Phillips (pictured, right) arrive at the event in a carriage

Racing manager John Warren (pictured, left) and Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips (pictured, right) arrive at the event in a carriage

Announcing his death in February, Buckingham Palace described Mr Kingston, a financier, as a ‘much loved member of the family’ who was being mourned by King Charles and Queen Camilla. A friend of the couple said: ‘They remained childless but were happily married until the end.’ 

After studying economic history at the University of Bristol, Mr Kingston joined the diplomatic missions unit of the Foreign Office in Iraq, working as a project officer for the Iraqi Institute of Peace from 2003 to 2006.

After his death, Lady Gabriella paid tribute to her husband in a joint statement with his family, describing him as an ‘exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him’ – and called his death a ‘great shock to the whole family’.

She released a personal photo she took of her husband, showing him smiling and dressed in a casual pink shirt as he stood near a stretch of water in the sunshine.

Mr Kingston and Lady Gabriella, known as Ella, were married at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, in a ceremony attended by Prince Michael’s first cousin, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Philip in 2019. 

In April, it was revealed that Lady Gabriella moved back in with her parents at their home in Kensington Palace.

King Charles has been described as a 'workaholic' according to some reports,  which say the monarch has not wanted to slow down, despite his current illness

King Charles has been described as a ‘workaholic’ according to some reports,  which say the monarch has not wanted to slow down, despite his current illness

Camilla has been praised for her sense of style since becoming queen

She is known for wearing flattering silhouettes and is stylish hats

Camilla has been praised for her style since becoming queen. She often wears vibrant colours and outfits with a similar flattering silhouette

Laura Lopes (pictured), the step daughter of King Charles, and daughter of Queen Camilla, attends day one of Royal Ascot

Laura Lopes (pictured), the step daughter of King Charles, and daughter of Queen Camilla, attends day one of Royal Ascot

WATCHING THE ACTION: King Charles and Queen Camilla appear deep in concentration as they watch the action from the stands

WATCHING THE ACTION: King Charles and Queen Camilla appear deep in concentration as they watch the action from the stands

At one point, Queen Camilla (pictured) appeared to gasp as she watched the Queen Anne Stakes (which was won by Charyn ridden by Silvestre De Sousa, not pictured)

At one point, Queen Camilla (pictured) appeared to gasp as she watched the Queen Anne Stakes (which was won by Charyn ridden by Silvestre De Sousa, not pictured)

King Charles (pictured) looked typically stylish during his Ascot appearance

The royal donned a grey blazer, which he paired with a yellow waistcoat, white shirt, and blue tie

The king (pictured) looked dapper in a grey blazer, which he paired with a yellow waistcoat, white shirt, and blue tie

Another image of King Charles again showed the royal appearing to have a good time at the event, as he was snapped laughing

Another image of King Charles again showed the royal appearing to have a good time at the event, as he was snapped laughing

‘They wanted Ella to be with them, and she didn’t want to be alone in the home she shared with Tom,’ one of her friends told Richard Eden at the time.

Lady Gabriella, 43, whose father is a first cousin of the late Queen, had previously lived in the Notting Hill area of West London.

After the financier’s death, King Charles and Queen Camilla’s spokesman said they had sent ‘their most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Gabriella and to all the Kingston family’.

Lady Gabriella is the King’s second cousin. They are both great-grandchildren of King George V.

Mr Kingston was a director of Devonport Capital, which specialises in providing finance for companies in ‘frontier economies’.

He was a close friend of Pippa Matthews – the Princess of Wales’s sister – and the pair were said to have dated in 2011.

Lady Gabriella, who has worked as an arts and travel director for a brand company, is a writer and contributing editor.

She is also a singer-songwriter and released two bossa nova-inspired tracks in 2020 to raise money for charity.

Lady Gabriella hung back from the balcony, where (pictured from L to R) Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence and the Duke of Kent stood. Today, she'll join the Princess Royal in the carriage procession at the society event

Lady Gabriella hung back from the balcony, where (pictured from L to R) Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence and the Duke of Kent stood. Today, she’ll join the Princess Royal in the carriage procession at the society event 

Lady Gabriella Windsor made her first public appearance following the tragic death of her husband, Thomas Kingston, at Trooping the Colour (pictured) - but kept a low profile

Lady Gabriella Windsor made her first public appearance following the tragic death of her husband, Thomas Kingston, at Trooping the Colour (pictured) – but kept a low profile

Thomas Kingston (pictured), the husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor, was a director of Devonport Capital

Thomas Kingston (pictured), the husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor, was a director of Devonport Capital

Mr Kingston and Lady Gabriella, known as Ella, were married at St George's Chapel, Windsor, in 2019

Mr Kingston and Lady Gabriella, known as Ella, were married at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, in 2019

Mr Kingston pictured alongside Lady Gabriella Windsor at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022

Mr Kingston pictured alongside Lady Gabriella Windsor at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022

Lady Gabriella Kingston and Thomas Kingston at Nicky Haslam's birthday party at The Polish Hearth Club, London, in November 2019

Lady Gabriella Kingston and Thomas Kingston at Nicky Haslam’s birthday party at The Polish Hearth Club, London, in November 2019

Lady Gabriella and her husband were last pictured in public together on Valentine’s Day at an event to celebrate the works of William Shakespeare.

At the inquest, the coroner’s court was told the circumstances surrounding Kingston’s death. 

‘His father went out to walk the dogs. On his return Mr Kingston was not in the house. After approximately 30 minutes his mother went to look for him,’ said Katy Skerrett, the senior coroner for Gloucestershire.

She added: ‘His father forced entry into a locked outbuilding. Mr Kingston was found inside with a catastrophic head injury. A gun was present at the scene. Police are satisfied the death is not suspicious.’

The coroner said a post-mortem examination had been undertaken and a provisional cause of death had been determined as a traumatic wound to the head. She formally opened the inquest into the death and adjourned it.


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