What was meant to be a spirited day on the polo field among elite company took a heartbreaking turn.
Sunjay Kapur, a well-known billionaire industrialist and close friend of Prince William, collapsed during a high-profile match at Guards Polo Club in Windsor and sadly passed away.
The shocking incident happened right in front of his teammates—and early witness accounts say his final words were, “I’ve swallowed something.”
A Sudden Collapse on the Field
The 53-year-old, who was born in India and chaired the global auto parts giant Sona Comstar, was in the middle of a competitive match when he suddenly dropped to the ground.
Witnesses recalled him clutching his throat and saying those troubling words, which led many to believe he had possibly swallowed a bee.
It’s now suspected that the insect may have stung him inside his mouth, potentially triggering a severe allergic reaction or even anaphylactic shock that caused a fatal heart attack.
Remembering Others, Hours Before His Own Passing
Just hours before his own tragic death, Sunjay had posted a heartfelt message online, mourning the victims of an Air India plane crash.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected,” he wrote, expressing grief for those lost in the Ahmedabad tragedy.
That somber reflection now feels chilling in hindsight, with tributes for him pouring in from around the world.
A Life Intertwined with Royalty and Glamour
Kapur wasn’t just a business magnate—he was also a known figure in royal circles.
He’d often played polo with Prince William, something his former wife, Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, had previously mentioned in interviews.
His connections spanned continents, and so did his passions.
He later married entrepreneur and former model Priya Sachdev, with whom he shared a young son, Azarias.
The Fatal Match at Guards Polo Club
The tragedy occurred during the semi-final of the prestigious Cartier Queen’s Cup, where Kapur’s team, Aureus, was facing off against the Sujan Indian Tigers.
The match began around 3 p.m. on June 12 at Smith’s Lawn—a venue steeped in royal history.
In fact, the club’s late president was Prince Philip, and its current patron is King Charles.
Polo Club and Associations Share Condolences
Guards Polo Club released a heartfelt statement confirming the loss and offering condolences to Sunjay’s family, teammates, and widow, Priya.
The Hurlingham Polo Association, which oversees the sport in the UK, clarified that the incident was not due to a direct injury during play and confirmed that the community is supporting those affected.
Tributes Pour In from India and Beyond
Back in India, Kapur’s sudden death sent ripples through the business and academic worlds.
Ashoka University described him as a valued member of their community, praising his leadership and vision.
The Doon School—often considered India’s equivalent to Eton—remembered him as a lifelong learner and champion of sports, especially polo.
Their tribute highlighted his efforts to make the sport more accessible beyond elite circles.
A Giant in the Automotive World
Professionally, Kapur left a deep mark. As the head of Sona Comstar, he led an enterprise vital to the electric vehicle supply chain across multiple continents—from India and the US to Mexico, China, and Serbia.
He also held influential roles with industry groups like the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India and the Confederation of Indian Industry.
The Royal Polo Circuit’s Familiar Face
Kapur was a fixture on the elite polo scene, especially at Guards Polo Club, often dubbed “the most prestigious polo club in the world.”
With a joining fee of £45,000 and a guest list that reads like a who’s who of royalty—including King Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry—it’s no surprise he was a familiar face at the events.
The club hosts hundreds of matches each year, running from April through September.
A Sudden Goodbye That Leaves a Legacy
Sunjay Kapur’s sudden death has left many stunned—on the field and far beyond it.
From boardrooms to royal polo grounds, he was known for his charisma, passion for sport, and leadership in industry.
His death is not just a personal tragedy for his loved ones but a loss felt deeply across communities, industries, and nations.