King Charles and the rest of the UK are in shock over the horrifying tragedy at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. A 24-year-old member of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery fell and was dragged under a heavy gun carriage and died. Now, critical voices are being raised.
A young soldier has died after a tragic accident at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, where she fell from her horse following a performance.
Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, 24, was part of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. She fell shortly after 7 pm BST while leaving the arena. Despite immediate medical assistance, she suffered severe injuries and sadly died at the scene.
Sullivan served in the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, a ceremonial Army unit known for its fast-paced displays using First World War-era QF 13-pounder field guns.
During performances, each gun carriage is drawn by six horses arranged in three pairs, with riders guiding the heavy artillery through sharp turns and precise formations inside the arena. The carriages, built from steel and wood with large spoked wheels, weigh over a ton.
She is believed to have been riding in the rear position closest to the carriage at the time of the incident. She was also wearing the regiment’s traditional ceremonial busby hat as part of the King’s Troop full dress uniform. Soldier part of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery dies in horror accident.
One source told the outlet: “The rider at the front was not able to clearly see the back of the carriage where Ciara was sitting, so could not see that she had fallen and did not know to stop.”
“These carriages were invented centuries ago, before modern safety measures,” the source continued, adding that the hats are “not fit for purpose” and calling for a “serious review” of horse displays.
In a tribute, her commanding officer described her as “a bright light in any room she entered” and praised her as “an immensely professional soldier and an exceptional jockey.”
Her father shared a touching photo tribute on social media, writing: “The honour. The service. They will never be forgotten.”
Buckingham Palace said King Charles III and other members of the Royal Family were present at the event when the tragedy happened. The King was said to be “shocked and saddened” and planned to offer his personal condolences to the family.
Buckingham Palace issues statement.
While the King and other members of the Royal Family were present at the arena during the incident, they were not made aware of its severity until later.
“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,” Buckingham Palace said.
“The thoughts and most heartfelt sympathies of the whole Royal Family are with the victim’s loved ones and military colleagues at this time of grief.”
Ciara Sullivan joined the Army at 18, training at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright before joining the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in 2021, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Known to friends as “Sully,” she was remembered as a fearless and talented horsewoman deeply respected by those who served with her.
Remembered as an “outstanding soldier”.
She “was to all who had the privilege of serving alongside her, a bright light in any room she entered,” they said.
“An immensely professional soldier and an exceptional jockey, she approached every day within The Troop with an infectious energy – the kind that lifted those around her without effort or intention – and was unfailingly present for her comrades in both the small moments and the hard ones.”
“An outstanding soldier and a role model to many she worked with,” they added, saying she had “natural courage that made her always the first to volunteer to ride the most demanding of horses.”
They continued, “Beyond her equestrian talent, she was a soldier of remarkable breadth. A skilled footballer, a dedicated presence in the gym who pushed herself and quietly brought others along with her, and someone who found cause to celebrate the smallest daily victories in those she served with.”
Thames Valley Police said the incident remains “unexplained but non-suspicious.”
Rest in peace, Ciara.
