Sunjay Kapur, a billionaire businessman and close friend of Prince William, suffered a fatal heart attack moments after shouting his final words on a Windsor polo field. The 53-year-old chairman of global car parts giant Sona Comstar collapsed during a match on June 12 after encountering a deadly insect.
According to the New York Post, witnesses reported that Kapur's last words were "I've swallowed something!" shortly before being stung by a bee on the mouth. The sting triggered anaphylactic shock, causing his heart to stop.
Medical experts note that internal bee stings can be particularly dangerous, causing immediate swelling, airway blockage, and rapid drops in blood pressure that may lead to cardiac arrest. The incident occurred while Kapur was participating in the subsidiary final of the prestigious Queen's Cup.
Kapur maintained strong ties to British royalty and was frequently seen in elite social circles. The Indian-American businessman regularly participated in exclusive polo matches across the United Kingdom, often playing alongside members of the royal family.
His connection to Prince William, 42, was particularly notable, with the two sharing a passion for polo. Kapur played at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor, a venue often frequented by the royal family and considered one of the most prestigious polo establishments in Britain.
A friend described Kapur as someone who "didn't distinguish between his grooms or high net worth friends," adding that "when he had a party, everyone was invited and everyone was equal." This egalitarian approach earned him respect among both the wealthy elite and working-class staff who supported the polo community.
Beyond his royal connections, Kapur had established himself as a formidable business figure with significant global influence. As chairman of Sona Comstar, he oversaw operations of a major international automotive components manufacturer.
Forbes estimated Kapur's personal wealth at approximately $1.2 billion. The businessman held dual citizenship, maintaining both Indian and American passports, which facilitated his international business ventures and social connections across continents.
At the time of his death, Kapur was actively engaged in the sport he loved, participating in the subsidiary final of the Queen's Cup when the tragic incident occurred. His team was playing against the Sujan Indian Tigers when he suddenly collapsed on the field.
Kapur's personal life had been marked by both high-profile relationships and controversy. His previous marriage to Bollywood superstar Karisma Kapoor lasted 13 years before ending in a contentious divorce in 2016.
During divorce proceedings, Kapoor filed a domestic violence plea against Kapur. Among her allegations was a claim that he once left their sick son to play polo with Prince William, highlighting tensions between his royal social connections and family responsibilities.
Following his divorce, Kapur found new love with former model Priya Sachdev, whom he married in 2017. The couple welcomed a son, Azarias, the following year, creating a new chapter in his family life while maintaining his business empire and polo activities.
The polo community and Kapur's wide circle of friends have expressed shock and grief over his sudden passing. His death occurred at one of Britain's most prestigious sporting venues during a high-profile tournament.
Friends described Kapur as "fun, kind and generous," noting he would 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." His generosity and approachable nature had endeared him to people across social strata.
Kapur leaves behind children from both marriages - Samaira and Kiaan from his marriage to Karisma Kapoor, and son Azarias with his widow Priya Sachdev. His unexpected death at age 53 cuts short the life of a figure who successfully bridged the worlds of international business, elite sports, and royal social circles.
