King’s Troop soldier dies after fall from horse at Royal Windsor Horse Show
A soldier from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery died on Friday after falling from their horse following a display at the Royal Windsor Horse Show
The Musical Drive of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery performed in front his Majesty the King (Image: Maureen McLean/Shutterstock)
A soldier tragically died after falling from their horse following a performance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, according to police. The serviceman was a member of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery and took a fall around 7pm on Friday after leaving the arena.
Despite immediate medical attention, the soldier suffered severe injuries and sadly passed away at the scene, stated Thames Valley Police. The police are treating the death as unexplained but not suspicious.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show is proceeding as scheduled, with the exception of The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery display. The King was “greatly shocked and saddened” to have learned of the death of a soldier, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said, adding Charles “will be in touch with the family to share his personal condolences”.
The spokesperson 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.
“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.”
Chief Superintendent Michael Loebenberg said: “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.”
Jo Peck, HPower event director, expressed: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the soldier who sadly died yesterday.”
The Royal Windsor Horse Show will resume today according to schedule, but with the cancellation of The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery display.
A spokesperson from the Army stated: “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.”
The Royal Windsor Horse Show was first staged in 1943 to help raise funds for the Second World War effort.
The inaugural show was attended by members of the royal family including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and the two young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret.
Queen Elizabeth II was a passionate fan of the equestrian event and entered many homebred horses and ponies in classes at the show, which takes place annually at 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.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities by dialling 101, referencing the incident number 521, submitting a report via the force’s website, or speaking to an officer present at the event.
