THE SOLDIER who tragically lost her life during a display at the Royal Windsor Horse Show has been named by The Jattvibe.
Royal Horse Artillery’s Ciara Sullivan died after suffering serious injuries when she fell as she exited the arena in Windsor, Berkshire, on Friday.
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Ciara Sullivan tragically died when she fell from her horse as she exited Royal Windsor Horse Show Credit: Supplied
King Charles stands as members of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery take part in a Royal salute at the Royal Windsor Horse Show Credit: PA
Medics immediately leapt into action to save the military rider but she passed away at the scene.
The King and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were present at the time of the tragedy but “were not made aware of the severity of the situation until later”, Buckingham Palace said.
A spokesman added that His Majesty was “greatly shocked and saddened” and that he “will be in touch with the family to share his personal condolences”.
Tributes have now poured in for Gunner Ciara, of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, after she died at the scene.
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Service woman who died during Royal Windsor Horse Show attended by King Charles is pictured Credit: Supplied
The shocking incident took place on Friday Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Friend Eleanor Lucas Bell shared the original post, in which she praised her as the “very pinnacle of equestrianism”.
She wrote: “Today our sport lost one of its very best.
“The soldier who tragically lost her life at Royal Windsor Horse Show was someone known to us personally.
“She had ridden my boys, and I saw first hand the incredible talent, horsemanship and dedication she possessed.
“She was the very pinnacle of equestrianism — someone I looked up to enormously as both a rider and a role model.
“In truth, watching her do what she did with such skill, confidence and professionalism was part of what inspired me to consider joining myself. I was completely in awe of her.
“To lose her life simply doing the job she did every single day is a heartbreaking reminder of just how dangerous and unforgiving equestrian sport can be.
“No matter the experience, talent or preparation, we work alongside powerful animals and accept risks every time we sit in the saddle.
“Those within the horse world understand that reality all too well, but moments like this bring it into painfully sharp focus.”
Eleanor continued: “In a strange twist of fate, we are at Windsor ourselves today.
“We will be taking a quiet moment to remember her and to think of all those who loved her — both her family by blood and her Military family.
“Her loss will be felt deeply by so many, which says everything about the beautiful soul she was. Stand down Gunner.”
Ciara’s pal Laura Blandford added: “She was an incredible person who made people’s lives better simply by being her!”
Ciara was once pictured smiling alongside Hollywood star Tom Cruise, 63, when he visited Windsor Castle as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
A Palace spokesperson said: “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 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.
“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.”
Jo Peck, HPower event director, offered her condolences.
She said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the soldier who sadly died yesterday.
TVP Chief Superintendent Michael Loebenberg said a multi- agency investigation into the incident is under way.
He said: “We are appealing for anyone with information or material relating to the sad death of a military rider at Royal Windsor Horse Show yesterday to please get in touch.
“Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and the wider community in the military and at the Royal Windsor Horse Show at this extremely difficult time.
“At this stage, we have not found any suspicious circumstances.
“We are working with the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Accident Investigation Branch and Royal Windsor Horse Show organisers HPower to gather as much information as possible to understand how this happened.”
Thames Valley Police (TVP) said it is treating the death as unexplained but non-suspicious.
