A Metropolitan Police spokesman said officers were called by the London Ambulance Service on August 18 to a hotel in George Street, W1. “A man aged 50 was found dead at the scene,” he said. “At this time the man’s death is being treated as unexpected. It has been investigated and is not suspicious. A file will be prepared for the coroner.” Mr Villiers, a former racehorse owner who worked in publishing, was found to be heavily in debt by the High Court in January 2021 and was said to be sleeping on friends’ sofas. In February, his new partner of five years, Heidi Innes, confirmed the couple had split, telling the Mail on Sunday of further financial difficulties and noting: ‘He’s supposed to be a gentleman but I don’t think he’s been very well behaved. .” The Times reported that he was staying on a friend’s yacht in the Greek islands this summer, with plans to visit a clinic in London for help with mental health. Instead, he checked into Durrants Hotel. The case has been referred to Westminster Coroner’s Court.
