Socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson catapulted into the limelight after crossing the line from aristocratic society into celebrity culture.
Known for her extravagant lifestyle and rubbing shoulders with royalty, Tara shared details of her lavish escapades when she wrote for national publications such as The Sunday Times, Tatler, GQ and The Spectator, to name a few.
During the height of her career, Tara became known as an It Girl and often hit headlines for her late nights out in the most exclusive London establishments.
As the press focused on her antics, the socialite became notoriously famous for her use of drugs and alcohol.
But in 2017, the world came to a sudden halt when the news of her passing came to light.
Daily Star has taken a look inside her life and what lead to her tragic demise.
Early life
Tara was born in Basingstoke, Hampshire on December 23 1971.
She was the the daughter of Patricia (née Dawson) and Charles Palmer-Tomkinson and goddaughter of King Charles.
In 1964, her father represented Great Britain as a skier at the Winter Olympics games.
She was also the the younger sister of author Santa Montefiore.
During the mid 90s, a weekly column for The Sunday Times appeared in the publication under her name where she dished out saucy details from her activities from the preceding week.
But the articles, which proved to be a hit, were ghostwritten by author Wendy Holden who would speak to Tara on the phone about what she had done.
Partying and drug addiction
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At the age of 20, Tara launched herself into the London party scene and became the original nineties It Girl.
During her party years, Tara dated a number of famous faces including Simply Red singer Mick Hucknall and Robbie Williams.
She was also briefly engaged to Greg Martin, son of Beatles producer Sir George, in 1999.
But despite her love for high-end parties, it also kick-started her addiction to cocaine.
Tara previously said: “I went to the Oscars and the Baftas. It was like Christmas every day. The trouble is, it turned into a white Christmas.”
In 2006 Tara hit the headlines after her nasal septum collapsed due to her cocaine addiction.
Years later a close friend told reporters that holes developed in her mouth due to taking the substance for a number of years.
Reality TV highlights
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
As someone who was a regular in the British tabloids, television bosses were desperate to see more of Tara on screen.
In 2002, Tara starred in the first series of ITV’s hit reality show, I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!.
The writer proved to be a massive success with viewers as they became captivated by her charming personality and wit.
Tara became runner up in the show as TV and radio presenter Tony Blackburn took the crown.
Later on in the year, Tara appeared in a Christmas special of Blind Date.
Tragic death
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Tara sadly passed away on February 8, 2017 at the age of 45.
According to the coroner’s report, the socialite developed peritonitis due to a perforated ulcer which developed in her stomach.
When the news of her passing first hit headlines, it was mistakenly reported that she had died of a brain tumour but this was not the case.
Doctors later diagnosed her with a benign growth in her pituitary gland in 2016 but this is unlikely to have contributed towards her death.
Taking to Twitter to confirm her passing, Tara’s sister Santa Montefiore clarified what happened on February 17, 2017.
She wrote: “Today the coroner’s report states that Tara died of natural causes – a perforated ulcer. She did not have a brain tumour.”
Heartbreaking funeral
(Image: GETTY)
Following the news of her death, Tara’s funeral took place on February 27, 2017.
The service was attended by hundreds of mourners as they laid the socialite’s soul to rest.
During the service, Tara’s sister Santa said: “I hope that you are resting, because you found life hard and now it is done.”
In 2020, she also took to her social media platform to share a touching tribute.
She wrote: “I hope you know how much we miss you.
“I hope that you are resting, because you found life hard and now it is done.
“As your sister I always wanted to look after you and I tried, I really tried. I hope they are looking after you now in Heaven and that you are letting them, and that you heal.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
