Inquest Opened and Adjourned for Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan
An inquest into the death of Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, a 24-year-old soldier from the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, was opened and adjourned on Wednesday at Berkshire Coroner’s Court. Coroner Hannah Godfrey stated that ongoing investigations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Defence Safety Authority (DSA) could take between 12 and 18 months or more.
L/Bdr Sullivan died on May 15 after falling from her horse at approximately 7pm while exiting the Castle Arena at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Windsor. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A provisional cause of death was recorded as “chest injuries,” but the coroner noted this remains subject to review.
Coroner Cites Workplace Death, Adjourns Full Inquest
During the hearing, Ms Godfrey said: “This was a death in the workplace. I would like to have the opportunity to consider the findings of these investigations before holding an inquest.” As a result, no date was set for the full inquest. The HSE confirmed it is leading the investigation, with a spokesperson saying: “We can confirm the Health and Safety Executive is leading the investigation into this incident and we are making inquiries.”
The DSA, part of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), is also conducting a parallel probe. The coroner indicated the investigations are expected to last 12 to 18 months or longer.
Royal Family Present at Time of Incident
King Charles and other members of the royal family were present at the arena when the incident occurred but were not immediately informed of its severity. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the King was “greatly shocked and saddened” to learn of L/Bdr Sullivan’s death and planned to contact her family to offer condolences.
L/Bdr Sullivan had served in ceremonial roles, including at the late Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral in 2022 and the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla in 2023. She joined the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, Surrey, in November 2020 and became part of the King’s Troop in June 2021.
Soldier Remembered as Exceptional Jockey and Instructor
Her commanding officer described her as an “exceptional jockey” with “infectious energy.” L/Bdr Sullivan had recently qualified as an advanced regimental riding instructor and was passionate about developing young horses and training military horses. She provided riding lessons to mounted gunners in her sub-section and was often chosen to instruct officers.
According to the MoD, she “was passionate about everything to do with the Troop and participated in every extra activity available, including show jumping and The Troop Race.” Floral tributes were left at her funeral last month.
