William "Saddened" By African Game Park Murder

Prince William's office said today that he is 'saddened' to learn of the death of a retired army officer who helped run a game reserve where he proposed to Kate Middleton.

Lieutenant Colonel David Parkinson, 58, was killed after a gang of five robbers, armed with machetes and a gun, broke into his house in Kenya.

According to Sky News, during the confrontation, Lt Col Parkinson's hand was cut off and he was fatally wounded.

Lt Parkinson was a director of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy where the Prince spent his gap year helping with various conservation projects before taking up his place at St Andrews University, and where he proposed to Kate Middleton in 2010.

A spokesman for the Prince said he was saddened to learn of the death.

The robbers reportedly stole items including a laptop, phone, some ornaments, bottles of wine and £2.