Soldier who died falling from horse at Royal Windsor Show named as Ciara Sullivan

The soldier who died after falling from a horse at the Royal Windsor Show has been named as Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan.

The 24-year-old died on Friday after she sustained serious injuries from falling from a horse as it left the arena.

LBdr Sullivan, who joined the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery in June 2021, has been remembered by her commanding officer as a "fearless and gifted horsewoman".

"Lance Bombardier 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," they said.

"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."

LBdr Sullivan joined the army in November 2020, and had ridden horses since childhood, including competing in show jumping.

After joining the regiment, LBdr Sullivan displayed "natural courage that made her always the first to volunteer to the ride the most demanding of horses", her commanding officer said.

They added: "Beyond her equestrian talent, she was a soldier of remarkable breadth.

"A skilled footballer, a dedicated presence in the gym who pushed herself and quietly brought others along with her, and someone who found cause to celebrate the smallest daily victories in those she served with.

"A natural leader and instructor, she won the respect of all who had the privilege of working with her, and her patient coaching has helped many Mounted Gunners within the unit fulfil their potential."

LBdr Sullivan has been involved in ceremonial operations since joining the King's Troop, taking part in royal gun salutes in London's Hyde Park and Green Park.

She was also deployed as part of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022 and for Charles and Camilla's coronation in 2023.

LBdr Sullivan recently qualified as an advanced regimental riding instructor and was involved in providing riding lessons to other soldiers.

Read more from Sky News:
Woman died after explosion at her home
Hunt for hit-and-run driver after woman struck

Defence Secretary John Healey said: "Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan was a brilliant young soldier who served our nation with dedication. We're all deeply shocked and saddened by her death."

The Royal Windsor Horse Show - which marks the only time of year the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public - was first staged in 1943 to help raise funds for the WWII effort.

The inaugural showcase of equestrian competition was attended by members of the royal family, including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and the two young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King was "greatly shocked and saddened" to have learned of the death, adding he "will be in touch with the family to share his personal condolences".

He attended the show on Saturday, the day after LBdr Sullivan's death.

Police said they had found "no suspicious circumstances" in her death.

(c) Sky News 2026: Soldier who died falling from horse at Royal Windsor Show named as Ciara Sullivan