King ‘shocked and saddened’ by death of soldier at Royal Windsor Horse Show
Buckingham Palace said the King was “deeply shocked” and “saddened” by the death of a soldier who fell from his horse after a performance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Thames Valley Police said the serviceman was part of the King’s Corps of Royal Horse Artillery and crashed after leaving the arena at around 7pm on Friday.
Despite the emergency intervention, the seriously injured soldier died at the scene. Police said the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said Charles would contact the victim’s family to offer his condolences.
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 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 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 and the wider community in the military and the Royal Windsor Horse Show at this extremely difficult time.
“At this stage, we have not encountered any suspicious circumstances.
“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.”
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 the Second World War.
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.
Queen Elizabeth II Elizabeth was a passionate fan of equestrian activity and attended classes of many home-bred horses and ponies at the show held annually on the private grounds of Windsor Castle.
The event is the only show in the UK to host international competitions in show jumping, dressage, driving and endurance.
