The King is “greatly shocked” and “saddened” by the death of a soldier who fell from their horse following a display at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Buckingham Palace has said.
The service person was part of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery and fell about 7pm on Friday after exiting the arena, Thames Valley Police said.
Despite being given immediate medical treatment, the soldier sustained serious injuries and died at the scene. The force said it was treating the death as unexplained but non-suspicious.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said that Charles will be in touch with the family of the victim to share his condolences.
In a 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.
“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.
King Charles III meeting well-wishers during the Royal Windsor Horse Show (PA)
“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 Royal Windsor Horse Show is continuing as planned, with the omission of The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery display.
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.”
The Duchess of Edinburgh (centre) reacts as members of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery fire their guns during the Royal Windsor Horse Show (PA)
Jo Peck, HPower event director, 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 said: “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.”
Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference number 521 of today, make a report on the force’s website or speak to an officer at the show.
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.
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