Tributes paid as outstanding' soldier who died in fall at Royal Windsor Horse Show is named

"Lance Bombardier (LBdr) Ciara Sullivan, Sully' to her friends, was to all who had the privilege of serving alongside her, a bright light in any room she entered. She was praised as an outstanding soldier and a role model to many she worked with. The immensely professional soldier was a skilled footballer and pushed herself in the gym while quietly bringing others along with her. Her patient coaching has helped many mounted gunners within the unit fulfil their potential."

"Despite being given immediate medical treatment she died at the scene of serious injuries, Thames Valley police said. Police said they were treating the death as unexplained but non-suspicious. Sullivan fell at around 7pm on Friday after exiting the arena. She was part of the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery."

"John Healey, the defence secretary, described Sullivan as a brilliant young soldier who served our nation with dedication. We're all deeply shocked and saddened by her death. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson previously said the king was greatly shocked and saddened to learn of her death and would be in touch with her family to share his condolences."

"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. Sullivan was deployed at Queen Elizabeth's state funeral in 2022 and the coronation of Charles and Camilla the following year."

Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, 24, of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, died after falling from her horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. She fell at around 7pm on Friday after exiting the arena. Immediate medical treatment was provided, but she died at the scene from serious injuries. Thames Valley police said the death was being treated as unexplained but non-suspicious. Sullivan was deployed at Queen Elizabeth’s state funeral in 2022 and at the coronation of Charles and Camilla in 2023. Her commanding officer praised her as an exceptional jockey and outstanding soldier, noting her professionalism, coaching of mounted gunners, and supportive attitude toward others. The king expressed shock and sadness and planned to contact her family with condolences.

Read at www.theguardian.com