THE EARL of Pembroke's stepfather was found dead in the grounds of Wilton Estate earlier this month. 

Stuart Wyndham Murray Threipland was found near to his vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head, and there is not believed to be any suspicious circumstances or third-party involvement. 

He died on the same day that property agents Savills announced Mr Threipland's estate and 13-bedroom castle at Dunbeath had gone on the market with offers over £25m being sought.

It is understood he was 76. 

It has been confirmed to the Journal that Mr Threipland was the stepfather of William Herbert, the Earl of Pembroke. 

Wiltshire Police said: "Officers were called to an address in Wilton at 1.10pm on June 12 following a report of a sudden death of a man in his 70s.

"There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared on behalf of H M Coroner for Wiltshire."

The inquest opened on June 22 at Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner's Office in Salisbury.

It has been adjourned and the full inquest will be held in August - this is not the coroner's final conclusion. 

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