The Ministry of Defence has named the soldier who died after falling from her horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show as Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, 24. She was a member of the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.
Sullivan fell at around 7pm on Friday after exiting the arena. Despite immediate medical treatment, she died at the scene from serious injuries, Thames Valley Police said. The death is being treated as unexplained but non-suspicious.
Her commanding officer paid tribute, describing her as an 'exceptional jockey' with 'infectious energy'. He said: 'Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, 'Sully' to her friends, was a bright light in any room she entered. She was an outstanding soldier and a role model to many.'
Sullivan was deployed at Queen Elizabeth's state funeral in 2022 and the coronation of King Charles III in 2023. Defence Secretary John Healey called her a 'brilliant young soldier who served our nation with dedication'.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King was 'greatly shocked and saddened' and would send condolences to her family. The King and other royals were present at the arena but were not made aware of the severity of the incident until later.
