The King has said he is "shocked and saddened" after a member of his troop died following a fall from their horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Friday evening.
Thames Valley Police have confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement, explaining that the soldier was given treatment for "serious injuries", but sadly, he died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
The King, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, attended the show yesterday, as did Lady Louise Windsor, who is currently working there.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesA statement issued by Buckingham Palace on behalf of His Majesty, read: "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.
© UK Press via Getty ImagesThe 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."
The King met with members of The King's Troop on Saturday morning, joined by The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
The horse show is continuing as planned, but without The King's Troop display.
Police appeal
While detectives do not suspect any suspicious circumstances surrounding the soldiers death, they are appealing for information to understand how the fatal fall occurred.
Chief Superintendent Michael Loebenberg 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."
