Your Route to Real News

'Beautiful' great-gran who was hit by Duchess Sophie's royal escort has died

23 May 2023 , 23:25
789     0
'Beautiful' great-gran who was hit by Duchess Sophie's royal escort has died
'Beautiful' great-gran who was hit by Duchess Sophie's royal escort has died

A WOMAN who was hit by a Met Police motorcycle escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh has passed away.

Helen Holland, 81, from Birchanger in Essex, was struck at a junction in Earl's Court, West London, on May 10.

Helen Holland has now died, her family has confirmed qhiquqidehidqxprw
Helen Holland has now died, her family has confirmedCredit: Family Handout
The police motorcycle escort was accompanying Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh
The police motorcycle escort was accompanying Sophie, Duchess of EdinburghCredit: Jamie Lorriman

The great-gran was left in a critical condition following the accident.

Her family told the BBC she fought "for her life for nearly two weeks... but irreversible damage to her brain finally ended the battle today".

Her son, Martin Holland, said his mum had died after "suffering multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries" while using the "safe route of (a) pedestrian crossing".

Spectacular New Year fireworks light up London sky as huge crowds celebrate across UK for first time in three yearsSpectacular New Year fireworks light up London sky as huge crowds celebrate across UK for first time in three years

Helen had been in London visiting her older sister at the time of the smash.

The police watchdog, The Independent Office for Police Conduct, had previously launched an investigation into the crash.

It said at the time, as part of its investigation CCTV from nearby properties and police body camera footage would be examined.

It added that cops who were on the scene would be interviewed.

Police have also appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Buckingham Palace previously said Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh's "heartfelt thoughts" are with Helen.

A palace spokesperson said: "The duchess's heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the injured lady and her family.

"She is grateful for the swift response by the emergency services and will keep abreast of developments."

Her son and daughter-in-law Martin and Lisa-Marie Holland previously told the BBC following the accident they were "shocked and sickened at her extensive injuries".

The Met Police's Special Escort Group provide armed escorts for Royal Family members, VIPs, protected members of the Government, visiting royals, heads of state and other visiting dignitaries.

Robbie Williams poised to launch his own brand of energy drinks to rival PrimeRobbie Williams poised to launch his own brand of energy drinks to rival Prime

It also provides armed vehicle escorts for valuable, hazardous and protected loads - and can include high-risk prisoners.

Duchess Sophie, seen here on May 18, during a visit to the Berkshire College of Agriculture
Duchess Sophie, seen here on May 18, during a visit to the Berkshire College of AgricultureCredit: David Hartley
A motorcycle with King Charles' insignia was also parked at the scene
A motorcycle with King Charles' insignia was also parked at the sceneCredit: Jamie Lorriman
A second bike with damage to the front was seen at the crash site
A second bike with damage to the front was seen at the crash siteCredit: Jamie Lorriman
The West London road was cordoned off
The West London road was cordoned offCredit: Jamie Lorriman

Jon Rogers

Print page

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus