A soldier who died at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Friday was an “exceptional jockey” with an “infectious energy”, her commanding officer has said.
Lance Bombardier Sullivan, 24, fell from her horse after exiting the arena at around 7pm.
Despite being given immediate medical treatment she sustained serious injuries and died at the scene, Thames Valley Police said previously.
Her commanding officer said in a tribute issued by the Ministry of Defence: “Lance Bombardier (LBdr) Ciara Sullivan, ‘Sully’ to her friends, was to all who had the privilege of serving alongside her, a bright light in any room she entered.
“An immensely professional soldier and an exceptional jockey, she approached every day within The Troop with an infectious energy — the kind that lifted those around her without effort or intention — and was unfailingly present for her comrades in both the small moments and the hard ones.”
It is with great sadness that we can confirm the death of Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, who died on 15 May following a tragic incident at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. pic.twitter.com/1syjQNUCHI
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) May 18, 2026
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson previously said the King was “greatly shocked and saddened” to learn of her death and will be in touch with her family to share his condolences.
In a statement, they 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.”
Defence Secretary John Healey described Ms Sullivan as a “brilliant young soldier who served our nation with dedication.”
He added: “We’re all deeply shocked and saddened by her death.
“My thoughts are with Ciara’s family, loved ones and colleagues at this devastating time.”
Police said they were treating the death as unexplained but non-suspicious.
