Duchess of Edinburgh faces heartbreak as Buckingham Palace reveals tragic news on her behalf
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Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we were deeply saddened to hear of a recent tragedy involving Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, during her visit to London.
Helen Holland, an 81-year-old great-grandmother, has passed away after tragically being hit by a police motorcycle that was escorting the Duchess through the Earl's Court area in West London on May 10th. Mrs Holland, a mother of four, grandmother of 10, and great-grandmother of seven, had been visiting her sister in London and was using a pedestrian crossing when the accident occurred, according to her son Martin.
Helen sustained multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries in the collision and had been in a coma ever since the incident. Tragically, irreversible brain damage finally caused her battle to come to an end.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and wife of Prince Edward, King Charles’ youngest brother, has expressed her deep sadness over the tragic death of Helen Holland. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the news on May 24, while Buckingham Palace released a statement on behalf of the Duchess, saying, '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.' The Palace also mentioned that the Duchess would privately reach out to the Holland family to offer her condolences.
The police escort had been part of the Met's Royalty and Specialist Protection unit, accompanying the Duchess with motorcycle outriders at the time of the accident. The tragedy took place near West Cromwell and Warwick roads in Earl's Court, just four days after the coronation of King Charles.
In the aftermath of the accident, two motorbikes, one displaying the King's cypher, were seen within a cordon set up at the scene. Following the incident, the Independent Office for Police Conduct launched an investigation, reviewing the officers' body camera footage and statements from those involved. The Metropolitan Police have expressed their cooperation in the ongoing inquiry.
Chief Superintendent Richard Smith, head of Royalty and Specialist Protection, shed light on the deep impact this tragic event had on the force, stating, '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.'
The exact measures taken depend on the country of travel, with the British royal family having specific protocols in place when escorting a member of the royal family. In the case of Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh’s security, officers from the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection unit were assigned to her convoy. They are trained regularly according to the procedures, as well as through practical experiences.
The training covers how to respond to an emergency situation or when members of the public enter the motorcade's path. For example, in the tragic incident that occurred, the motorcycle outrider was with Helen Holland when she was hit at the pedestrian crossing and immediately took action to ensure the area was cordoned off.
While safety protocols are important to ensure the security and protection of royalty and their motorcades, tragedies such as the crash involving the Duchess of Edinburgh still occur. Though these protocols are in place, they can sometimes fail, as demonstrated in this case. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is now investigating the incident and reviewing accounts of officers involved in an effort to minimise the risk of similar events from occurring in the future.
On behalf of the Seniors Discount Club, we extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Helen Holland.
May Mrs Holland find eternal peace in her rest.
Helen Holland, an 81-year-old great-grandmother, has passed away after tragically being hit by a police motorcycle that was escorting the Duchess through the Earl's Court area in West London on May 10th. Mrs Holland, a mother of four, grandmother of 10, and great-grandmother of seven, had been visiting her sister in London and was using a pedestrian crossing when the accident occurred, according to her son Martin.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is carefully reviewing the testimonies of the officers involved. Source: Shutterstock
Helen sustained multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries in the collision and had been in a coma ever since the incident. Tragically, irreversible brain damage finally caused her battle to come to an end.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and wife of Prince Edward, King Charles’ youngest brother, has expressed her deep sadness over the tragic death of Helen Holland. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the news on May 24, while Buckingham Palace released a statement on behalf of the Duchess, saying, '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.' The Palace also mentioned that the Duchess would privately reach out to the Holland family to offer her condolences.
The police escort had been part of the Met's Royalty and Specialist Protection unit, accompanying the Duchess with motorcycle outriders at the time of the accident. The tragedy took place near West Cromwell and Warwick roads in Earl's Court, just four days after the coronation of King Charles.
In the aftermath of the accident, two motorbikes, one displaying the King's cypher, were seen within a cordon set up at the scene. Following the incident, the Independent Office for Police Conduct launched an investigation, reviewing the officers' body camera footage and statements from those involved. The Metropolitan Police have expressed their cooperation in the ongoing inquiry.
Chief Superintendent Richard Smith, head of Royalty and Specialist Protection, shed light on the deep impact this tragic event had on the force, stating, '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.'
Royal Motorcade Safety Protocols
The protocols for royal motorcades, in particular, are designed to maintain a safe environment for those travelling with, as well as those in the vicinity of, the motorcades.The exact measures taken depend on the country of travel, with the British royal family having specific protocols in place when escorting a member of the royal family. In the case of Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh’s security, officers from the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection unit were assigned to her convoy. They are trained regularly according to the procedures, as well as through practical experiences.
The training covers how to respond to an emergency situation or when members of the public enter the motorcade's path. For example, in the tragic incident that occurred, the motorcycle outrider was with Helen Holland when she was hit at the pedestrian crossing and immediately took action to ensure the area was cordoned off.
While safety protocols are important to ensure the security and protection of royalty and their motorcades, tragedies such as the crash involving the Duchess of Edinburgh still occur. Though these protocols are in place, they can sometimes fail, as demonstrated in this case. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is now investigating the incident and reviewing accounts of officers involved in an effort to minimise the risk of similar events from occurring in the future.
May Mrs Holland find eternal peace in her rest.
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