Soldier dies after fall from horse at Royal Windsor Horse Show

A 24-year-old soldier has died after falling from her horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Windsor, Berkshire. Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, fell shortly after 19:00 BST while leaving the arena after a display. She received medical treatment but died at the scene.

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Buckingham Palace said King Charles III and other members of the royal family were present at the arena when the incident happened. A palace spokesperson said the King was shocked and saddened by the death and would be in touch with the family to share his personal condolences. The Ministry of Defence later confirmed Sullivan had joined the army aged 18 and had been part of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery since 2021.

Her commanding officer described her as a bright light in any room she entered and said she was an immensely professional soldier and an exceptional jockey. The officer also called her a fearless and gifted horsewoman. Defence Secretary John Healey said she was a brilliant young soldier who served the nation with dedication, adding that colleagues were deeply shocked and saddened by her death.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show is an annual event held on the grounds of Windsor Castle and combines international equestrian competition with military displays. Sullivan had taken part in ceremonies for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and King Charles III's coronation in 2023. She had also recently qualified as an advanced regimental riding instructor, according to the Ministry of Defence.

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The death has drawn attention because it happened during a public military display at a major royal event, involving a unit with ceremonial duties at some of the most high-profile state occasions in recent years. The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery is part of the Royal Regiment of Artillery and is known for mounted ceremonial work. Sullivan's role placed her at the centre of that tradition, and her death has prompted tributes from senior military and royal figures.

Thames Valley Police said officers have not found any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. It remains unclear exactly what caused the fall, and no further details have been released about the medical response or any safety review. The next developments are likely to come from any further statements by the army, the police or the royal household, as tributes continue and the circumstances are examined.

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