King Charles has expressed being 'greatly shocked' following the death of a soldier at the Royal Windsor Show. The soldier, a member of the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, fell from a horse around 7pm on Thursday after leaving the arena following a display. Despite the efforts of medical crews, the soldier succumbed to their injuries, according to police.
Monarch's Response
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed that King Charles will contact the soldier's family to offer his condolences. The monarch was present in the arena when the incident occurred. The palace stated: 'While His Majesty and other Members of The Royal Family were present at the arena at the time the incident took place, they were not made aware of the severity of the situation until later. The King was greatly shocked and saddened to have learned subsequently of the Troop member's death, and will be in touch with the family to share his personal condolences. The thoughts and most heartfelt sympathies of the whole Royal Family are with the victim's loved ones and military colleagues at this time of grief.'
Investigation Underway
The death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. Thames Valley Police has appealed 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. Our thoughts are with the soldier's family and the wider community in the military and at the Royal Windsor Horse Show at this extremely difficult time. At this stage, we have not found any suspicious circumstances. We are 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 horse involved in the incident received medical attention and is uninjured, according to the Royal Windsor Horse Show. The show, which runs until Sunday, continued on Friday, but the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery display has been removed from the schedule.
Background of Royal Windsor Horse Show
The Royal Windsor Horse Show has been organised since 1943, initially to raise funds for the Second World War effort. The first show was attended by King George VI, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. Queen Elizabeth II, a horse enthusiast, entered several of her horses in the event, which takes place on the private grounds of Windsor Castle. The show features show jumping, dressage, driving, and endurance events. The former Prince Andrew has also attended in the past, including in 2018 alongside his mother.
