A soldier from the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery died after falling from their horse at about 7pm BST on Friday, May 15, at the Royal Windsor Horse Show held at Windsor Castle grounds [1, 2, 3]. The fall occurred as the soldier exited the arena following a display. Despite immediate medical treatment, the soldier died at the scene from serious injuries [1, 2, 3].
Thames Valley Police are treating the death as unexplained but not suspicious. Chief Superintendent Michael Loebenberg urged anyone with information or material related to the incident to come forward [1]. The police are working with the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Accident Investigation Branch, and event organizers HPower to investigate [1, 3].
The soldier has not been publicly identified. The army expressed deep regret over the loss and said the soldier's family has been notified. "It is with deep regret that we announce a member of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery died on Friday 15 May, following a tragic incident at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. The family has been notified, and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time," said an army spokesperson [1].
King Charles III was present at the event but learned of the incident’s severity later. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said, "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" [3]. On Saturday, the king met with members of the King's Troop at the horse show following the incident [3].
The Royal Windsor Horse Show will continue as planned, but the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery display has been removed from the programme [1, 2, 3]. HPower's event director, Jo Peck, offered sympathies to the soldier’s family, stating, "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the soldier who sadly died yesterday" [1].
Royal Family members were at the event but were not informed of the incident's severity until after it occurred [2, 3]. Police issued a public appeal on the morning of May 16 seeking information related to the death [3]. Investigations remain ongoing.
