Ciara Sullivan, of the Royal Horse Artillery, fell on Friday as she exited the arena in Windsor during the Royal Windsor Horse Show and died from her injuries
A soldier who fell from her steed following a display at the Royal Windsor Horse Show has been named.
Ciara Sullivan, of the Royal Horse Artillery, fell at around 7pm on Friday as she exited the arena in Windsor, Berkshire, and suffered serious injuries. Despite being given immediate medical treatment, she tragically died at the scene, Thames Valley Police said.
The King was “greatly shocked” and “saddened” to have learned of the death, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson has said, adding that Charles will be in touch with her family to share his condolences.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “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.
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“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.”
Ciara’s father Pat shared a photo of Ciara on social media alongside a message, which read: “The honour. The service. They will never be forgotten.”
Tributes have now poured in for Ciara, with one friend Eleanor Lucas Bell who spoke of her “incredible talent, horsemanship and dedication”.
She wrote on Facebook: “Today our sport lost one of its very best. The soldier who tragically lost her life at Royal Windsor Horse Show was someone known to us personally. She had ridden my boys, and I saw first hand the incredible talent, horsemanship and dedication she possessed.
“She was the very pinnacle of equestrianism — someone I looked up to enormously as both a rider and a role model. In truth, watching her do what she did with such skill, confidence and professionalism was part of what inspired me to consider joining myself. I was completely in awe of her.
“To lose her life simply doing the job she did every single day is a heartbreaking reminder of just how dangerous and unforgiving equestrian sport can be. No matter the experience, talent or preparation, we work alongside powerful animals and accept risks every time we sit in the saddle. Those within the horse world understand that reality all too well, but moments like this bring it into painfully sharp focus.
“In a strange twist of fate, we are at Windsor ourselves today. We will be taking a quiet moment to remember her and to think of all those who loved her — both her family by blood and her Military family. Her loss will be felt deeply by so many, which says everything about the beautiful soul she was. Stand down Gunner.”
Another friend Josephine Coates wrote: “Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you until we meet again. Goodbye my friend, rest easy.”
