A soldier from the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery has died after falling from their horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, just moments after performing in front of King Charles, leaving the monarch “greatly shocked and saddened.”
The military rider fell from their horse at around 7pm on Friday evening as they exited the arena following the performance. Despite receiving immediate medical treatment at the scene, the soldier sustained fatal injuries and died shortly afterwards. Thames Valley Police confirmed the death is being treated as unexplained but non-suspicious, and said next of kin had been informed and were being supported.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King had been “greatly shocked and saddened” to learn of what had happened, adding that he “will be in touch with the family to share his personal condolences.” The statement confirmed that while the King and other members of the Royal Family had been present in the arena at the time of the incident, they were not made aware of the severity of the situation until later. “The thoughts and most heartfelt sympathies of the whole Royal Family are with the victim’s loved ones and military colleagues at this time of grief,” the spokesperson said.
An army spokesperson said: “It is with deep regret that we announce a member of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery died on Friday 15 May, following a tragic incident at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. The family has been notified, and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time.”
Thames Valley Police chief superintendent Michael Loebenberg appealed for anyone with information to come forward. “Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and the wider community in the military and at the Royal Windsor Horse Show at this extremely difficult time,” he said, adding that officers were working with the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Accident Investigation Branch and show organisers HPower to establish the full circumstances of the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 521.
The show is continuing as planned, with the King’s Troop display removed from the programme. On Saturday morning, King Charles visited members of the troop alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh as he arrived for the third day of the event. Event director Jo Peck said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the soldier who sadly died. The Royal Windsor Horse Show will continue today as per the published timetable, with the omission of The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery display.”
The tragedy has cast a shadow over what is traditionally one of the most cherished occasions in the royal calendar. The Royal Windsor Horse Show, first staged in 1943 to raise funds for the Second World War effort, was said to be the late Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite annual event and remains the only time the private grounds of Windsor Castle are opened to the public. The inaugural show was attended by King George VI, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and the two young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret.
Several members of the Royal Family have been present throughout this year’s event, which opened on Thursday. Princess Anne and Prince Edward have both attended, while the Duchess of Edinburgh was seen on Friday alongside her daughter Lady Louise Windsor, 22, in a rare public appearance from the young royal. According to event director Nick Brooks-Ward, Lady Louise has been working behind the scenes operating what he described as a “first concierge service,” in addition to her visible presence at the show.
Lady Louise is also due to compete in the carriage driving event on Sunday, a discipline she was taught by her late grandfather Prince Philip with whom she shared a deep bond over the sport. She has continued to drive his ponies since his death as a way of honouring his memory. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are expected to attend Sunday’s Meet of the British Driving Society in their roles as president and vice-president of the show.
