King Charles has commented on the death of a soldier at the Royal Windsor Show, saying he is ‘greatly shocked’ by the incident.
A soldier who was part of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery team, fell from a horse at around 7pm yesterday after having left the arena following a display.
Despite the efforts of the medical crews, the soldier died of their serious injuries, the police said.
King Charles will be in touch with the family of the soldier to share his condolences, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.
The monarch was in the arena when the incident happened.
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The palace said in a statement: ‘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.
The death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious, and Thames Valley Police has asked anyone with information or material to get in touch.
The horse, which fell, received medical attention and is uninjured, the Royal Windsor Horse Show said.
Royal Windsor Show, which runs until Sunday, continued today, although The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery display has been removed from the schedule.
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.’
What is Royal Windsor Horse Show?
The royal event has been organised since 1943, when it was staged to raise funds for the Second World War effort.
Its first ever show was attended by King George VI, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and the two young princesses, future Queen Elizabeth II and her sister Margaret.
Queen Elizabeth II was a horse enthusiast and she entered several of her horses in the show, which happens on the private grounds of Windsor Castle.
It features show jumping, dressage, driving and endurance.
The former Prince Andrew has also attended the event in the past, including in 2018 along with his mother, Queen Elizabeth.
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