Annabelle Neilson, who starred on the Bravo show “Ladies of London,” was found dead at 49, multiple outlets confirmed Monday. London’s Westminster Coroner’s Court did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Neilson’s sister, Camila, issued a statement about her sister’s death on Tuesday.
“Very sadly, we have been informed today that my sister Annabelle, died as a result of a heart attack at home last Thursday, It has come as a complete shock, as she had many plans having recently returned from Spain,” Camila Neilson said, according to E! News.
“My parents and I are devastated and shocked by this news,” she said. “We would ask the media to respect the privacy of our family and Annabelle’s close friends during this very difficult time. We will not be making any further statement at this time. We thank you for your consideration.”
The model, aristocrat and best friend of the late Alexander McQueen appeared on the Bravo reality show for two seasons.
“We at Bravo are saddened to hear about the passing of Annabelle Neilson who was a dearly loved and respected cast member on two seasons of ‘Ladies of London,’” a network spokesperson said Thursday in a statement to HuffPost. “We send our deepest sympathies to her family and friends during this very difficult time.”
Annabelle Neilson often spoke of her friendship with the late McQueen and said that she was his muse.
“He understood me; we understood each other,” Annabelle Neilson told the Daily Mail in a candid 2015 interview that also detailed her struggle as a heroin addict and former marriage to banker Nat Rothschild.
She added, “The truth is I was happier with Lee [Alexander McQueen] than with anyone else. He asked me to marry him towards the end and I said no. I wish now that I had said yes.” McQueen died by suicide in London in 2010.
In Annabelle Neilson’s Bravo bio, she also described herself as a “fixture in the international party circuit” and says she counted Richard Branson, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss as close friends.
“Kate is my best mate and I love her like a sister. Yes, she’s an icon but to me she’s just Kate,” Annabelle Neilson said lovingly of the supermodel in the Daily Mail interview. “We fight over stupid things, then we kiss and make up. We share clothes, we share everything and her fame has never been an issue.”
“She always looks out for me and I look out for her. We’ve got each other’s backs,” the socialite added.
In addition to being a model, Annabelle Neilson also published a series of children’s books called The Me Me Me’s. Prior to her death, she’d posted photos of her most recent book in the series to Instagram, as well as pictures of herself at the wedding of ex-boyfriend Lord Edward Spencer-Churchill to Kimberly Hammerstroem.
“Ladies of London” castmate Caroline Fleming remembered her dear friend on Monday night after news of Annabelle Neilson’s death was announced.
“My sweet Tinky, no words can express how devastated I feel at loosing you. Sweet delicate soul, you will be sorely missed,” Fleming said in an Instagram post.
“It’s impossible to comprehend that you are no longer here - we spoke on Wednesday and we planned lunch together next week and instead it’s the day of your funeral. I loved you from the moment I met you, such a special friendship you and I shared which I am so grateful for.”
This has been updated with comment from Camila Neilson and a statement from Bravo.
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