King Charles ‘shocked and saddened’ by death at Royal Windsor Horse Show | Royal | News
Buckingham Palace released a statement on Saturday (Image: Getty)
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said King Charles was “deeply shocked” and “saddened” to learn that a serviceman had died after falling from his horse following a performance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. The soldier was part of the King’s Corps of Royal Horse Artillery and crashed after leaving the arena at around 7pm on Friday.
Thames Valley Police said in a statement on Saturday that despite immediate medical attention, the trooper suffered serious injuries and sadly died at the scene. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said Her Majesty would contact the victim’s family to offer their condolences.
Read more: ‘I worked for the Royal Family – Charles gave masterclass after awkward situation’
Read more: Lady Louise Windsor gets a very ordinary job with no special royal treatment
The late Queen Elizabeth II Elizabeth regularly attended the Royal Windsor Horse Show (Image: Getty)
They said in a statement: “Although Her Majesty and other Members of the Royal Family were present in the arena when the incident occurred, they were not made aware of the seriousness of the situation until later.
“The King was later deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the League member’s death and will be contacting the family to share his personal condolences.
“The thoughts and deepest condolences of the entire Royal Family are with the victim’s loved ones and military colleagues at this sad time.”
The force, appealing for information, said the death was being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show continues as planned with the launch of The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery exhibition.
Chief Inspector 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, the wider army community and the Royal Windsor Horse Show at this extremely difficult time. We have not come across any suspicious circumstances at this stage.”
“We are working with the Ministry of Defence, the Defense Accident Investigation Branch and the Royal Windsor Horse Show organisers, HPower, to gather as much information as possible to understand how this happened.”
The Duchess of Edinburgh attended the first day of the show (Image: Getty)
HPower events director Jo Peck added: “Our thoughts and sorrow are with the family of the soldier who sadly died yesterday.
“The Royal Windsor Horse Show will continue today, with the exception of The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery show, according to the published timetable.”
An Army spokesman said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that a member of the King’s Corps of 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.”
Anyone with information should call 101 today quoting reference 521, make a report on the force’s website or speak to an officer at the demonstration.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show was first held 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.
