Overview
- Following publication of the inquest findings, Buckingham Palace issued a brief statement via a Sandringham spokesman saying, “Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Eadie.”
- Norfolk coroner Yvonne Blake concluded Christopher John Eadie, 63, died by hanging but said she was not satisfied he intended to die, citing a deterioration in mental health linked to health worries and work concerns.
- Police reported a handwritten note at his home and toxicology showing a small amount of alcohol and raised paracetamol levels not sufficient to cause death, with paramedics unable to revive him on October 10, 2025.
- Mr Eadie had worked for more than 30 years as a contractor at Sandringham, and the estate’s land agent told the inquest he was not directly employed and that some 2025 jobs were awarded then not carried out.
- Family testimony described his distress after a pagoda he painted in colours requested by the King was ordered repainted and the final work given to another contractor, alongside GP-documented anxiety, weight loss and a recent lapse in anxiety medication.