A funeral service has been held for Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, the 24-year-old soldier who died after a fall from her horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Family, friends, senior regimental staff, and military colleagues gathered at The Guards’ Chapel, Wellington Barracks, in central London, to pay their respects.
The ceremony was marked by traditional military honors. State trumpeters from The Band of the Household Cavalry played fanfares as L/Bdr Sullivan’s coffin, draped in the Union flag, arrived by gun carriage from The Royal Mews.
A three-round volley was fired within Wellington Barracks, followed by the presentation of her personal items, including her cap and medals, to her grieving family.
In a poignant display of military respect, her horse, Neymar, carried her riding boots reversed in its stirrups, symbolizing her final journey.
L/Bdr Sullivan, a member of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, sustained fatal injuries on May 15 at approximately 7 p.m. (PA)
Flags across all Army buildings in London flew at half-mast in her honor, while floral tributes spelling “Sully,” her nickname, were surrounded by photographs of her in uniform with her horse.
L/Bdr Sullivan, a member of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, sustained fatal injuries on May 15 at approximately 7 p.m. after exiting the arena, and died at the scene. She had previously served in significant ceremonial roles, including the state funeral of the late Queen in 2022 and the coronation of Charles and Camilla the following year.
Known for her deep affection and natural affinity for horses, L/Bdr Sullivan was remembered by her commanding officer as an exceptional talent.
Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, 24, was part of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery (PA Wire)
In a tribute released by the Ministry of Defense, her commanding officer stated: “Lance Bombardier (L/Bdr) Ciara Sullivan, ‘Sully’ to her friends, was to all who had the privilege of serving alongside her, a bright light in any room she entered. An immensely professional soldier and an exceptional jockey, she approached every day within The Troop with an infectious energy — the kind that lifted those around her without effort or intention — and was unfailingly present for her comrades in both the small moments and the hard ones.”
Buckingham Palace previously confirmed that the King was “greatly shocked and saddened” by L/Bdr Sullivan’s death and intended to convey his condolences to her family. Charles and other members of the royal family were present at the arena during the incident but were not informed of its severity until later, according to a palace spokesman.
L/Bdr Sullivan joined the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, near Woking, Surrey, in November 2020, and entered the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, in June 2021. Her service included numerous ceremonial operations, such as Royal Gun Salutes in Hyde Park and Green Park in London.
Floral tributes spelled out ‘Sully’, the name L/Bdr Sullivan was called by friends (PA Wire)
She had recently qualified as an advanced regimental riding instructor, dedicating herself to developing young horses and training military mounts. She frequently offered riding lessons to mounted gunners and instructed officers within the King’s Troop.
The Ministry of Defense highlighted her passion for all aspects of The Troop, noting her active participation in extra activities like show jumping and The Troop Race.