After being struck by Royals' escort motorcycle, woman dies in UK

Robert Besser
26 May 2023, 18:38 GMT+10

An elderly woman, Helen Holland, struck two weeks ago by a police motorcycle escorting Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has died from her internal injuries
Sophie, the wife of King Charles' youngest brother Prince Edward, has expressed her "deep sadness" over the incident, which took place in Earl's Court, West London
This week, Holland's son told the BBC that his mother died after "suffering multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries"

LONDON, England: An elderly woman, Helen Holland, struck two weeks ago by a police motorcycle escorting Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has died from her internal injuries.

Sophie, the wife of King Charles' youngest brother Prince Edward, has expressed her "deep sadness" over the incident, which took place in Earl's Court, West London.

This week, Holland's son told the BBC that his mother died after "suffering multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries."

Holland, 81, had been in a coma since the accident, her family said.

The Metropolitan Police also confirmed her death in an emailed statement.

In its own statement, Buckingham Palace said, "The Duchess of Edinburgh is deeply saddened to hear that Helen Holland has passed away. Her Royal Highness's deepest condolences and sympathies go to all of Ms. Holland's family."

Sophie will privately contact Holland's family, the statement added.

Meanwhile, the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, is investigating the incident, while London's Metropolitan Police said it was cooperating with the probe.

In a statement, Chief Superintendent Richard Smith, head of the Met's Royalty and Specialist Protection, said, "This tragic outcome is being felt by colleagues across the Met. Our thoughts are very much with the woman's family and loved ones at this sad time."

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