A young soldier who died following a tragic fall from a horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show has been named as Ciara Sullivan.
The 24-year-old Lance Bombardier, who served with the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, died on Friday evening after suffering serious injuries while leaving the arena shortly after a military display.
Despite receiving immediate medical treatment at the scene, she died at the scene.
In a series of tributes released by the Ministry of Defence, colleagues described Sullivan – affectionately known as “Sully” – as an “outstanding soldier”, “exceptional jockey” and a “bright light in any room she entered”.
Her commanding officer said she was a “fearless and gifted horsewoman” who had ridden since childhood and was always willing to take on the most demanding horses.
“An immensely professional soldier and an exceptional jockey, she approached every day within The Troop with an infectious energy,” the statement read.
“She was unfailingly present for her comrades in both the small moments and the hard ones.”
Ciara Sullivan joined the Army in November 2020, training at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright before joining the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in 2021.
During her military career she took part in major state ceremonial events including State funeral of Elizabeth II and the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla.
She had recently qualified as an Advanced Regimental Riding Instructor and was heavily involved in training both soldiers and military horses within the regiment.
Senior Army figures paid tribute to her professionalism and character.
Lieutenant General Mike Elviss, Master Gunner St James’s Palace, described her as “a fine soldier” who “died doing a job she loved surrounded by people who held her in the highest regard”.
“The Royal Regiment of Artillery and the wider British Army is a lesser place without her,” he added.
The UK Defence Secretary, John Heale,y also paid tribute, calling Ciara Sullivan “a brilliant young soldier who served our nation with dedication”.
“My thoughts are with Ciara’s family, loved ones and colleagues at this devastating time,” he said.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace previously confirmed that King Charles III and other members of the Royal Family were present at the event when the incident occurred.
The Palace said the King was “shocked and saddened” by the news and would privately pass on his condolences to Sullivan’s family.
Her father also shared an emotional tribute online alongside a photograph of his daughter on horseback, writing: “The honour. The service. They will never be forgotten.”
Thames Valley Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.
