The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery has paid its respects during a funeral for the soldier who tragically died at the Royal Windsor Horse Show last month.
The service was held for Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan at the Guards’ Chapel in Wellington Barracks earlier today.
L/Bdr Sullivan fell from her horse after riding out of the arena during the prestigious show on May 15, suffering serious injuries.
The 24-year-old soldier was treated immediately but died at the scene, according to Thames Valley Police
L/Bdr Sullivan’s coffin was taken to the central London chapel on a First World War-era gun carriage pulled by six horses.
In a poignant tribute, her own horse followed behind the procession.
Following the service, an honour guard performed a rifle salute in recognition of the young servicewoman’s dedication to her regiment.
Her commanding officer, Major Luke Wadman, said she was known as “Sully” by friends and described her as “an immensely professional soldier and an exceptional jockey”.
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery has paid its respects for the soldier who tragically died at the Royal Windsor Horse Show
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PA
“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,” he said.
“The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery has lost not only an accomplished soldier and horsewoman, but the kind of person who made the regiment, and the world, a better place simply by being part of it.”
L/Bdr Sullivan enlisted in the British Army in November 2020, completing her initial training at the Pirbright centre in Surrey.
L/Bdr Sullivan was coffin was taken to the central London chapel on a First World War-era gun carriage pulled by six horses
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PA
L/Bdr Sullivan enlisted in the British Army in November 2020, completing her initial training at the Pirbright centre in Surrey
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PA
She was subsequently posted to the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in June 2021.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the young soldier participated in some of the nation’s most significant ceremonial occasions during her service.
She formed part of the military contingent at the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.
The following year, she took part in the historic Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Her commanding officer, Major Luke Wadman, said she was known as ‘Sully’ by friends
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PA
The Royal Family was present at the arena when the incident occurred, though they were not informed of its severity until afterwards.
Buckingham Palace stated the King was “greatly shocked and saddened” upon learning of the soldier’s death and would contact her family to offer personal condolences.
Chief Superintendent Michael Loebenberg said: “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.”
Police continue to investigate the circumstances, treating the death as an unexplained but non-suspicious accident.