Concorde pilot in suspected murder-suicide at Duchess of Cambridge’s home village
A RETIRED Concorde pilot and his wife have been found dead at their home in the village where the Duchess of Cambridge’s parents live.
Tony Meadows, 84, and his wife, Paula, a dementia sufferer, were discovered at their farm in Bucklebury, Berks, on Tuesday evening.
Thames Valley Police said they were treating the incident as a murder-suicide and were not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths. The couple, said to have been devoted to one another, had been married for 61 years and had three children.
A neighbour, who did not want to be named, described them as a “lovely couple” who had lived at Hawkridge Farm for more than 30 years. They said: “Tony was looking after her extremely well and that was no doubt a strain for him. They were just ever such a nice, outgoing, friendly couple.
“Tony used to run marathons and was a Concorde pilot who had retired from flying for British Airways. He was a lovely chap, very friendly and with a great sense of humour. I can’t believe this has happened. It is just very sad.”
Another local said: “Tony used to take her for walks. They were very nice, very friendly. Paula didn’t recognise people very much but Tony was always lovely. He was a well-educated man – a friendly, charming, compassionate and caring person.”
The couple’s farm is less than two miles from the home of Carole and Michael Middleton – who both used to work for British Airways.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Howard said: “This is a tragic incident. We are investigating and have launched a murder inquiry but are not looking for anybody else in connection with this incident.”
Mr Meadows, who joined British Airways after completing National Service in the RAF, was part of the crew that flew the inaugural Concorde between London and New York for British Airways in 1977.
As pilot of the famous supersonic jet, Captain Meadows flew a number of royal guests, including the Queen and Diana, Princess of Wales.