A soldier from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery died on Friday evening after falling from their horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, shortly after performing in front of King Charles. The fatal accident happened around 7pm as the soldier was exiting the arena.
Despite immediate medical treatment, the soldier sustained fatal injuries and died shortly after. Thames Valley Police are treating the death as unexplained but non-suspicious. The next of kin have been informed and are receiving support.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated that King Charles was “greatly shocked and saddened” by the incident and will personally offer his condolences to the family. Although the King and other Royals were present in the arena during the fall, they were not aware of the severity until later. “The thoughts and most heartfelt sympathies of the whole Royal Family are with the victim’s loved ones and military colleagues,” the spokesperson added.
An army spokesperson expressed deep regret over the tragic death of a member of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery on 15 May, confirming that the family has been notified. Thames Valley Police chief superintendent Michael Loebenberg urged anyone with information to contact police and confirmed that investigations are ongoing with Defence and event officials to establish the full circumstances.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show is continuing as planned with the withdrawal of the King’s Troop display. King Charles visited the Troop members alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh on Saturday morning. Event director Jo Peck extended sympathies to the soldier’s family and confirmed the show’s schedule will continue but without the military display.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show, first held in 1943 and a favourite event of the late Queen Elizabeth II, remains a key fixture in the royal calendar and the only occasion when the grounds of Windsor Castle open to the public. This year’s event has featured several Royals, including Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and the Duchess of Edinburgh, alongside young Lady Louise Windsor, who is competing in carriage driving — a sport taught by her late grandfather, Prince Philip.
Originally published by UKNIP.
