The Royal Windsor Horse Show will continue as planned following
the death of a soldier who fell from a horse after a display on
Friday evening.
Organisers confirmed the four-day event would go ahead “as per
the published timetable”, although the scheduled performance by the
King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery has been cancelled.
The serviceman died after falling from his horse at around 7pm
as the animal was leaving the arena following the troop’s
display.
Thames Valley Police said the soldier received immediate medical
treatment at the scene but suffered fatal injuries. Officers are
treating the death as “unexplained but non-suspicious”.
In a statement, event director Jo Peck said: “Our thoughts and
sympathies are with the family of the soldier who sadly died
yesterday.
“The Royal Windsor Horse Show will continue today as per the
published timetable, with the omission of The King’s Troop, Royal
Horse Artillery display.”
King Charles III was described as “shocked and saddened” by the
tragedy.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said the King would contact
the soldier’s family personally to offer his condolences.
The Palace added: “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.”
An Army spokesperson said it was with “deep regret” that the
death of a member of the King’s Troop had been confirmed.
“The family has been notified, and our thoughts are with them at
this sad and difficult time,” the spokesperson added.
Chief Superintendent Michael Loebenberg said police had “not
found any suspicious circumstances” surrounding the death and
confirmed investigators were working with the Ministry of Defence,
the Defence Accident Investigation Branch and event organisers to
establish exactly what happened.
Police have appealed for anyone with information, footage or
material relating to the incident to come forward.
