June 15, 2025 – Windsor, England

In a tragic and bizarre accident, Indian billionaire Sunjay Kapur, a close friend of Prince William and a titan of the automotive industry, died at 53 after a heart attack reportedly triggered by swallowing a bee during a polo match at Guards Polo Club in Windsor on June 12. The incident, which unfolded during the Cartier Trophy Semi-Finals, has stunned the global polo community, India’s business elite, and royal watchers, leaving many searching for answers about this freak tragedy.
A Fatal Freak Accident
Eyewitnesses at Smith’s Lawn reported Kapur, playing for his Aureus Polo Team, suddenly clutching his throat and gasping, “I’ve swallowed something,” before collapsing. Sources suggest a bee sting in his mouth may have caused anaphylactic shock, leading to a fatal cardiac arrest. “It was over in moments,” a fellow player told The Times. Medical experts explain that internal bee stings can cause rapid airway swelling, triggering catastrophic reactions, especially in those with undiagnosed allergies. The exact cause of Kapur’s death is under investigation, but the polo world is reeling from the loss.
Sunjay Kapur: A Life of Impact
As chairman of Sona Comstar, Kapur transformed his father’s company into a $4 billion global leader in electric vehicle components, with operations in India, the U.S., China, Mexico, and Serbia. Educated at The Doon School, the University of Buckingham, and Harvard Business School, Kapur’s net worth was estimated at $1.2 billion by Forbes. His business acumen earned him accolades, with Sona Comstar praising him as “a visionary leader driving innovation and sustainability.”
Kapur’s passion for polo brought him into Prince William’s inner circle. A regular at Guards Polo Club, he played alongside royals and was admired for his warmth and inclusivity. His personal life, however, wasn’t without drama. His high-profile marriage to Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor ended in a publicized 2016 divorce, with two children, Samaira and Kiaan. Kapur later married Priya Sachdev, sharing a son, Azarias, born in 2018.
Tributes Pour In
The outpouring of grief has been immense. Guards Polo Club mourned “a cherished member of our community,” extending condolences to Priya, his children, and the Kapur family. Ashoka University, where Kapur was a key figure, called him “a trailblazer in India’s business landscape.” On X, business leader Suhel Seth wrote, “Devastated by @sunjaykapur’s passing. A true gentleman gone too soon.” Hours before his death, Kapur posted a heartfelt condolence for victims of the Ahmedabad Air India crash, showcasing his compassion.
"A dramatic moment unfolds at Guards Polo Club: Sunjay Kapur reacts to a bee mid-air while chatting with Prince William during a Windsor polo match, June 2025."
A Legacy Cut Short
Kapur’s death underscores the unpredictability of life. Known for treating everyone—from grooms to royalty—with equal respect, he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, ambition, and excellence. “He made everyone feel like family,” a friend told Telegraph Sport. As the polo and business communities mourn, Kapur’s contributions to sport, industry, and philanthropy endure.
For more on Sunjay Kapur’s life, polo career, and business achievements, follow our blog for updates.