Soldier Dies After Falling From Horse at Royal Windsor Horse Show

A member of the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery died at the scene after falling from a horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Friday 15 May 2026. The soldier fell at around 19:00 BST after leaving the arena. He received immediate medical treatment but sustained serious injuries.

The death is being treated as unexplained but non-suspicious, Thames Valley Police said. Officers have not found any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, Ch Supt Michael Loebenberg of Thames Valley Police stated. The force is 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.

King Charles was shocked and saddened to learn about the death, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said. The King watched the troop perform at the show on Friday and will be in touch with the family to share his personal condolences. 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 family has been notified and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time, the spokesperson added. The Royal Windsor Horse Show is a four-day event that will continue as planned, with the omission of The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery display.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, report on the Thames Valley Police website, speak to a police officer at the horse show or visit a police station. The incident occurred on Friday 15 May 2026.