King Charles is ‘greatly shocked and saddened’ after army rider falls from their horse and dies at Royal Windsor Horse Show
King Charles was ‘deeply shocked and saddened’ after a soldier was thrown from his horse and died minutes after parading in front of him Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Thames Valley Police said the man in the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery is understood to have been fatally injured following an incident on Friday evening.
They are said to have fallen off their horses around 7pm as they had just left the arena after the performance.
It was stated that the soldier who was taken to the hospital was treated, but was seriously injured and died at the scene.
Police said his relatives have been informed and are receiving support. The death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the King was “deeply shocked and saddened” to learn of the death, adding that he would “contact the family to share his personal condolences.”
They added: ‘Although Her Majesty and other Members of the Royal Family were present in the arena when the incident occurred, they did not realize the seriousness of the situation until later.
‘The thoughts and deepest condolences of the entire Royal Family are with the victim’s loved ones and military colleagues at this sad time.’
A soldier from the King’s Corps of Royal Horse Artillery died minutes after performing in front of King Charles at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Friday.
King III. Charles was seen watching the contingent perform at the popular show on Friday
The Royal Windsor Horse Show continues as planned with the launch of The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery exhibition.
Charles met with members of the contingent along with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh on Saturday morning as the event entered its third day.
Thames Valley Police chief Michael Loebenberg said: ‘We would urge anyone with information or material regarding the sad death of a military rider at the Royal Windsor Horse Show yesterday to contact us.
‘Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and the wider community in the military and the Royal Windsor Horse Show at this extremely difficult time.
‘We have not encountered any suspicious circumstances at this stage. ‘We are working with the Ministry of Defence, the Defense Accident Investigation Branch and Royal Windsor Horse Show organisers, HPower, to gather as much information as possible to understand how this happened.’
An army spokesman said: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce that a member of the King’s Corps, Royal Horse Artillery, died on Friday 15 May following a tragic incident at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
‘The family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time.’
HPower Events Director Jo Peck said: ‘Our thoughts and sorrow are with the family of the soldier who died yesterday.
‘The Royal Windsor Horse Show will continue today, with the exception of the King’s Troop and the Royal Horse Artillery show, according to the published timetable.’
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 521.
The incident occurred just hours after the King and Duchess of Edinburgh were seen attending the royal horse show on Friday.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show will go ahead with the troop removal, organizers said. Picture: King Charles arrives at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Saturday
King Charles stated that he was ‘shocked’ by this news. Picture: The monarch greets the public at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Saturday.
Sophie was also seen alongside her daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, in a rare appearance from the young royal.
King Charles’ 22-year-old nephew was also present at the event, but also works behind the scenes at his part-time job.
The humble royal is operating the ‘first ever concierge service’, according to event manager Nick Brooks-Ward.
As well as helping out behind the scenes, Lady Louise will also compete in the carriage riding event on Sunday.
The royal was taught to drive as a young girl by her grandfather, the late Prince Philip, and the pair are said to have bonded over their shared love of the sport.
Lady Louise now frequently participates in equestrian competitions and rides her beloved grandfather’s ponies as a way of keeping his memory alive.
He will attend the British Driving Association Meet on Sunday; Edward and Sophie are also expected to attend in their roles as president and vice president of the show.
Princess Anne and Prince Edward have also attended the event since its opening on Thursday.
Sophie, 61, who serves as vice president of the annual show, was seen taking in the atmosphere on Friday.
The Duchess of Edinburgh and her daughter Lady Louise Windsor photographed on Friday
The Royal Windsor Horse Show is a popular event among the royal family and was attended by the late Queen Elizabeth II. It is said to be Elizabeth’s favorite event on the royal calendar.
It was first performed in 1943 to help raise funds for World War II.
The opening show was attended by members of the royal family, including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and two young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show is the only time of year when the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public.
