The Marquess of Ailesbury tragically passed away due to multiple injuries after an accidental fall from his bedroom window, according to an inquest. The 98-year-old was found on the patio at his London residence on May 12, where he was sadly declared deceased at the scene.
His partner, 88-year-old Teresa Marshall De Paoli, a former fashion model, discovered him after hearing the incident while preparing supper.
Following the passing of Michael Brudenell-Bruce, the 8th Marquess of Ailesbury, at age 98, his family is contesting his will. His son, David Brudenell-Bruce, now the 9th Marquess of Ailesbury, has expressed concerns regarding the circumstances of his father's death and the distribution of the estate. The late Marquess, who had been suffering from dementia, died after a fall from a window at his London home on May 12, 2024.
Teresa Marshall de Paoli, who had been the Marquess of Ailesbury’s partner for 37 years, mentioned that some family members distanced themselves during the funeral. An inquest into his death commenced at West London Coroners Court, where it was noted that the medical cause was listed as polytrauma. The hearing has been adjourned and is set to continue in November.
After his unexpected death, a deeply saddened Teresa emphasized that it was a "freak accident" with no conflict involved, saying, "There had not been a row - I had not hit him." In the wake of the tragedy, she reached out to the Marquess's daughter, Lady Kathryn Brudenell-Bruce, and the two reportedly spent the night together, consoling one another.
Emergency services, including the Met Police and London Ambulance Service, responded promptly, arriving within seven minutes. Ms. Marshall de Paoli, who had lived with Lord Ailesbury for 14 years in her west London home, previously resided with him on the 4,500-acre Savernake estate in Wiltshire.