King Charles “shocked and saddened” after soldier dies in unexplained fall at Royal Windsor Horse Show he attended
King Charles III has expressed being “shocked and saddened” following the death of a British soldier who fell during a performance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show this week.
The incident occurred on Friday evening during a display by the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, held on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
According to Thames Valley Police, the soldier fell after exiting the arena following the performance and later died at the scene despite receiving immediate medical attention.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that members of the royal family, including King Charles, Prince Edward, Sophie, Princess Anne, and Lady Louise Windsor, were present at the event but were not informed of the seriousness of the situation at the time.
Officials said the King only learned of the soldier’s death later and subsequently met with members of the King’s Troop at the event on Saturday.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated that the King was “greatly shocked and saddened” and would be in contact with the soldier’s family to offer personal condolences.
The statement added that the entire royal family extended their “heartfelt sympathies” to the victim’s loved ones and military colleagues during what it described as a period of deep mourning.
Police described the death as “unexplained but non-suspicious” and confirmed there is currently no evidence of foul play.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show continued as scheduled on Saturday, though one planned display by the King’s Troop was cancelled following the incident.
Authorities are now working alongside the British Army, the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Accident Investigation Branch, and event organisers to determine exactly what happened.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show, held annually on the private grounds of Windsor Castle, remains one of the few occasions when the estate is open to the public.
