Tragedy as ‘exceptional’ British Army medic TikTok star, 25, who met Prince William, dies suddenly

A British Army doctor who became a star on TikTok documenting his life in the military has died suddenly, his family said today.

Corporal Lucy Wilde, of the Royal Army Medical Service, had thousands of followers on social media and often filmed herself giving health and fitness advice in the barracks gym.

The 25-year-old was a well-known face in the British Army, even having met Prince William, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, where Corporal Wilde spent most of his career.

He died last Thursday, but the cause of death has not yet been confirmed by his relatives or the Ministry of Defense.

In a video posted on TikTok last week, three days before he died, Corporal Wilde explained how the last five months had been a ‘struggle’ for him mentally and that he was in a ‘rut’.

He also told how he was still trying to recover from the breakup of a relationship he was believed to have been with an older army colleague from whom he split last year.

His father, Tim, announced the news of his death on his Facebook page: ‘I have to write this with the heaviest heart imaginable.

‘My beautiful, magnificent daughter, Lucy Wilde, gained her wings very early, on 02.05.2026, when she was only 25 years old.

The 25-year-old was a well-known face within the British Army, even having met Prince William, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, where Corporal Wilde spent most of his career.

Her father Tim (pictured) announced the news of her death on his Facebook page: ‘My beautiful, wonderful daughter, Lucy Wilde, gained her wings very early on 02.05.2026, aged just 25. He loved his time and lived his life for the Army. ‘His family and friends.’

Corporal Wilde joined the army eight years ago and served in military operations in Kenya, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

‘He loved his time and lived his life for the Army. His family and friends.

‘Please give us some time and space at this heartbreaking time.’

Corporal Wilde joined the army eight years ago and has served in military operations in Kenya, the Falklands and South Georgia, and ran the Rome Marathon in 2024.

He was attached to the Welsh Guards until Christmas, when he moved to his next posting to the 2nd Battalion Royal Yorkshire Regiment.

The Guard paid an emotional tribute to him today, highlighting his composure under pressure as he helped several colleagues injured in a training accident.

A spokesperson for the regiment said in a statement: ‘In his short time with us he quickly became part of the Welsh Guard family; not only as an outstanding Medic, but also through the bonds of friendship he forged in the Welsh Guards, as well as the warmth, humor and professionalism he brought to everyone who worked with him.

‘He was known for his calmness under pressure, his tireless care for others and his unwavering dedication to his role. This commitment was most clearly seen in the mass casualty incident in the Falkland Islands, when a Troop Transport overturned and injured scores of Welsh Guardsmen. Lucy was the first on the scene and worked tirelessly to treat the injured and make sure every Guardian was safe.

‘His actions that day were extraordinary and he was rightly commended for his bravery and professionalism.

Outside of her medical duties, Lucy brought the same motivation and positivity to everything she did. As an extremely fit and motivated PE Instructor, he was a familiar face in the gym, always encouraging others to push themselves and improve. Through his social media he has inspired many more people by offering guidance on fitness, service life and the journey into the British Army.

On social media, Corporal Wilde often filmed himself giving health and fitness advice in his barracks gym. Image: 2024 Rome Marathon Run

On social media, Corporal Wilde regularly uploaded videos of her gym sessions and life in the army to her TikTok @lucywildefit page, which has 10,500 followers.

A spokesman for the regiment said in a statement: ‘In his short time with us he quickly became part of the Welsh Guard family.’

‘Lucy had a rare ability to lift those around her. He was popular, friendly and deeply respected. His loss is felt across the Battalion and far beyond.

‘Our thoughts are with Lucy’s family, friends and colleagues at this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace Lucy. You will always be remembered as part of the Welsh Guards family. ‘Cymru Am Byth’

On social media, Cpl Wilde regularly uploaded videos of her gym sessions and life in the army to her TikTok @lucywildefit page, which has 10,500 followers.

Her last video was posted on February 4, the day before her death, in which she talked about her four-month-old pet spaniel Bruno, saying: Owning a puppy is exhausting and I don’t think people talk about it enough.

‘I love him and what we do together, but I’m constantly exhausted.’

In another video posted two days ago, she talked about how she was coming to terms with the breakup of a relationship that harmed her mentally and physically.

Reflecting on the training footage, he said: ‘I thought we could discuss the rut I’ve been in for probably the best part of five months. If you’ve watched one of my recent videos you’ll understand why I’m in a rut. ‘I’ve been going through the breakup for a while and didn’t want to train.’

He advised those experiencing similar issues to get themselves a training program with a personal trainer via a mobile phone app and get back into a routine, adding: ‘It may not seem like it but the last five months have been a struggle with the gym and I’m basically just doing the moves.’

Although she never revealed many details about the painful breakup, it is believed the affair was with someone she worked with.

A video posted on TikTok in November last year was accompanied by the following text: ‘In your 20s you will fall in love with an old man in the army. It’s important that you get away from him xxx.

‘Because I didn’t, now I’m paying the price’. He finished by adding a broken heart emoji.”

One of her followers paid tribute to TikTok, saying: ‘I’ve never met you personally but I really loved watching your videos. You have been and always will be a great role model and inspiration to me. Fly high.”

Another added: ‘I could always feel his warmth through the screen. You have inspired me and many others, and I hope a part of you knows that. My heart sank as I read your name, I’m so sorry, Lucy. I hope your local gym is great. ‘Rest in peace beautiful girl.’

In another video posted two days ago, she talked about how she came to terms with the breakup of a relationship that harmed her both mentally and physically.

Her last video was posted on February 4, the day before her death, in which she talked about her four-month-old pet dog, Bruno.

A Ministry of Defense spokesperson said: ‘It is with great sadness that we confirm that Corporal Lucy Wilde of the Royal Army Medical Service died on 5 February 2026. Our thoughts are with Corporal Wilde’s family and friends at this sad time and we ask that their privacy be respected.

‘The circumstances surrounding Corporal Wilde’s death are being investigated and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.’