Prince William pal perishes post polo match bee swallowing incident

A polo match turned tragic this week when a close friend of Prince William suddenly died after reportedly swallowing a bee mid-game.

Sunjay Kapur, a well-known businessman and polo player, had just come off the field when he told teammates he thought he’d swallowed something. Moments later, he collapsed.

Witnesses say a bee had flown into his mouth and stung him, most likely in the throat or esophagus, causing a severe allergic reaction that doctors believe triggered a fatal heart attack or cardiac arrest.

Kapur likely died from anaphylaxis

Medical experts believe Kapur may have suffered from anaphylaxis, a fast-moving and potentially deadly reaction to bee venom, especially dangerous when stings happen in sensitive areas like the throat. Some are pointing to a rare condition called Kounis Syndrome, where an allergic reaction puts sudden strain on the heart, often with fatal consequences.

Some initial reports stated “heart attack.” Several articles elaborate on the suspected bee sting leading to anaphylaxis, which then caused the cardiac event.

From boardrooms to royal polo fields

Sunjay Kapur wasn’t just any polo player—he was a billionaire auto industry magnate who chaired Sona Comstar, a global supplier of electric vehicle components. Known for his sharp business acumen and love for the sport, he frequently played alongside of Britain’s royal family, including Prince William. The two were reportedly on friendly and had appeared together at various matches over the years.

Educated in the U.K. and the U.S., Kapur was also well known in Indian media thanks to his former marriage to Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor, with whom he shared two children. He later married fashion entrepreneur Priya Sachdev and had a third child with her.

Just hours before his shocking death, Kapur posted a condolence message on social media about the deadly Air India crash. Friends say it was typical of his character—always thoughtful, always present.

Kapur tributes flood in

The outpouring of grief was immediate. Prince William, who has yet to comment publicly, is said to be devastated by the loss.

The incident has reignited conversations around bee sting allergies and how quickly they can become life-threatening, even in people without a known history of reactions. Emergency responders are reminding the public to carry epinephrine if they’re at risk and to take any sting seriously, especially around the face or throat.

What began as a sunny afternoon of sport and camaraderie ended in tragedy—one that stunned not only the polo world but also those watching from boardrooms and Bollywood sets around the globe.