An inquest will not be held into the death of Tara Palmer-Tomkinson

Last week, Tara's sister Santa Montefiore revealed her younger sibling had passed away in her sleep after a perforated ulcer triggered peritonitis, the medical term for severe inflamation of the stomach lining, and blood poisoning.

She wrote on Twitter: "I've been so touched by the warm response to Tara's death.Thank you from the whole family. But I'd like to clarify a couple of points...

"Today the Coroner's report states that Tara died of natural causes - a perforated ulcer. She did not have a brain tumour. (sic)."

Santa was adamant that Tara had spent the final days of her life in "high spirits" and had started making plans about her future, and had even penned a new song.

She added: "Tara's good friends & family know that she was in high spirits in her last days. She had plans, trips & had written a moving new song. (sic)"

And a family statement echoed Santa's post.

It said: "We would like to thank the many people who have contacted us about Tara following her untimely death.

"It has been a source of great comfort to know how loved she was by so many people.

"Tara died peacefully in her sleep due to a perforated ulcer and peritonitis."

Her private funeral will take place next week.

The statement concluded: "Tara's funeral will be on the February 27. This will be a private moment for family and close friends to grieve and we would ask that our privacy at this time is respected.

"We will miss Tara very much and will never forget the joy, love and humour she bought to our lives.

"The family will not be making any further comment on this matter."