Soldier Ciara Sullivan dies after fall at Royal Windsor Horse Show

Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, a 24-year-old soldier described as an “exceptional jockey” with an “infectious energy,” died after falling from her horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, her commanding officer said.

Sullivan, a member of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, fell around 7 p.m. Friday after exiting the arena, Thames Valley Police reported.

Despite receiving immediate medical treatment, she died at the scene from serious injuries, police said. The death is being treated as unexplained but non-suspicious.

Sullivan served in Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral in 2022 and the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla the following year.

In a tribute issued by the Ministry of Defence, her commanding officer said: “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,” the officer added.

Defence Secretary John Healey 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 said the king was “greatly shocked and saddened” to learn of her death and would contact 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,” the spokesperson added.