UMVA has learned that Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, a 24‑year‑old rider with The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, died after a tragic fall at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on 15 May.
The accident unfolded in the arena while the monarch and other members of the Royal Family were present, but they were not aware of the severity until after the incident. Despite rapid response from medical crews, the injuries proved fatal.
King Charles has been reported to reach out personally to Sullivan’s family, offering his deepest condolences and sharing the profound shock felt by the palace.
Police have classified the death as unexplained but not suspicious, urging anyone with information to come forward. Thames Valley Police, working alongside the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Accident Investigation Branch, are piecing together the events that led to the fall.
The horse involved received prompt veterinary care and emerged unharmed, while the Royal Windsor Horse Show continued its programme, albeit without the Troop’s scheduled display.
The historic show, a tradition since 1943, traces its roots to wartime fundraising and has long attracted royalty, including early appearances by King George VI, Queen Elizabeth the Mother, and the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret.
As the community mourns, the investigation remains open, with authorities committed to uncovering the precise cause of this heartbreaking loss.
