Buckingham Palace released a statement on Saturday (Image: Getty)
King Charles was “greatly shocked” and “saddened” upon learning of the death of a service member who fell from their horse following a performance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed.
The soldier, a member of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, fell at approximately 7pm on Friday after leaving the arena.
Despite receiving immediate medical attention, the soldier sustained serious injuries and tragically died at the scene, Thames Valley Police announced on Saturday. This comes as Meghan Markle announced her Europe visit this weekend.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated that His Majesty would be reaching out to the victim’s family to personally offer his condolences.
In an official statement, they said: “While His Majesty and other Members of The Royal Family were present at the arena at the time the incident took place, they were not made aware of the severity of the situation until later.
Late Queen Elizabeth II would regularly attend the Royal Windsor Horse Show (Image: Getty)
“The King was greatly shocked and saddened to have learned subsequently of the Troop member’s death, and will be in touch with the family to share his personal condolences.
“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.”
Thames Valley Police, which has issued an appeal for information, stated the death is being treated as unexplained but non-suspicious.
The Duchess of Edinburgh attended the first day of the show (Image: Getty)
The Royal Windsor Horse Show is proceeding as scheduled, with the exception of The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery display. Chief Superintendent Michael Loebenberg stated: “We are appealing for anyone with information or material relating to the sad death of a military rider at Royal Windsor Horse Show yesterday to please get in touch.
“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. At this stage, we have not found any suspicious circumstances.
“We are working with the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Accident Investigation Branch and Royal Windsor Horse Show organisers HPower to gather as much information as possible to understand how this happened.”
HPower event director Jo Peck added: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the soldier who sadly died yesterday.
“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.”
An Army spokesperson announced: “It is with deep regret that we announce a member of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery died on Friday May 15, 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.”
Those with relevant information are urged to call 101, quoting reference number 521 of today, submit a report via the force’s website, or speak directly with an officer at the show.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show was first held in 1943 as a fundraising initiative in support of the World War 2 effort. The inaugural show was attended by members of the Royal Family, among them King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and the two young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret.
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