Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, 24, died after falling from her horse as she left the arena following a display by the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. King Charles said he was “greatly shocked”, tributes were paid by her f
Tributes have poured in for Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan after the 24-year-old died following a fall from her horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the death on Monday, saying she “died on 15 May following a tragic accident at the Royal Windsor Horse Show”. She was part of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery team, and the MoD said she fell “as she left the arena following a display”.
King Charles said he was “greatly shocked” by the tragic death. with a Buckingham Palace spokesperson saying the monarch would be contacting the soldier’s family to share his condolences.. The King was in the arena when the incident happened. but the palace said he and other members of the Royal Family were not made aware of the “severity of the situation until later”.
In a post on social media, Ms Sullivan’s father accompanied a photograph of his daughter with the words: “The honour. The service. They will never be forgotten.” Her mother later wrote: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to write this. She was doing what she loved.”
Thames Valley Police said despite the efforts of medical crews, she died of her serious injuries. The death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious, and officers are appealing for anyone with information or material to come forward.
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.” He added: “At this stage. we have not found any suspicious circumstances.” Loebenberg said the force is 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 palace’s statement noted that the King and other members were at the arena at the time. while the wider severity was only understood later.. The Royal Windsor Horse Show said the horse that fell received medical attention and is uninjured.. The event continued today, but the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery display has been removed from the schedule.
The pattern of official handling is consistent across the key updates: the MoD confirmed the death and its date. the police said the death is “unexplained but not suspicious”. and both the palace and Thames Valley Police pointed to delayed awareness or gathering of information before drawing conclusions.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show has been held since 1943. when it was staged to raise funds for the Second World War effort.. Its first 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 entered several of her horses in the show. which takes place on the private grounds of Windsor Castle.. It features show jumping. dressage. driving and endurance. and the former Prince Andrew has also attended in the past. including in 2018 alongside Queen Elizabeth.. The show runs until Sunday.
UK news Royal Windsor Horse Show Ciara Sullivan King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery Thames Valley Police King Charles Ministry of Defence Royal Family