A funeral with full military honours has taken place for Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, the 24-year-old soldier who died after falling from her horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Funeral Procession and Service
Her coffin, draped in a Union Jack, was carried on a World War I gun carriage from The Royal Mews to The Guards' Chapel in Central London. State trumpeters from The Band of the Household Cavalry played fanfares as the coffin arrived. During the service, a three-round volley was fired in Wellington Barracks, and her personal items, including her cap and medals, were presented to her family.
L/Bdr Sullivan's horse, Neymar, carried her riding boots reversed in its stirrups, a traditional military mark of respect. Flags flew at half-mast at all Army buildings in London in her honour. Floral tributes spelled out “Sully”, the name she was called by friends, and were surrounded by photographs of her in uniform riding her horse.
Condolences from the King
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said that the King was “greatly shocked and saddened” to learn of her death and would be in touch with her family to share his condolences. Charles and members of the royal family were present at the arena at the time of the incident but were not made aware of the severity until later.
Military Career and Tributes
L/Bdr Sullivan, part of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, suffered serious injuries after falling during the ceremony on May 11 at around 7pm and died at the scene. She had been deployed at both the late Queen’s state funeral in 2022 and the coronation of Charles and Camilla.
Her commanding officer described her as an “immensely professional soldier” and an “exceptional jockey” with an “infectious energy”. A tribute issued by the Ministry of Defence said: “Lance Bombardier (L/Bdr) Ciara Sullivan, ‘Sully’ to her friends, was to all who had the privilege of serving alongside her, a bright light in any room she entered. She approached every day within The Troop with an infectious energy - the kind that lifted those around her without effort or intention - and was unfailingly present for her comrades in both the small moments and the hard ones.”
Background and Passion
L/Bdr Sullivan joined the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, Surrey, in November 2020 and entered the King’s Troop in June 2021. She had been involved in ceremonial operations including multiple Royal Gun Salutes in Hyde Park and Green Park. She had recently qualified as an advanced regimental riding instructor and enjoyed developing young horses and training military ones. The MoD said she offered riding lessons to mounted gunners and was often nominated to instruct officers. She participated in show jumping and The Troop Race.
