Woman, 81, dies after being hit by Duchess of Edinburgh’s police escort
Global News
Helen Holland, 81, was hit by the royal escort while in a pedestrian crosswalk in Earl's Court, West London on May 10.
A U.K. woman has died two weeks after she was struck by a police motorcycle escorting Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, through London.
Helen Holland, 81, was hit by the royal escort at the intersection of West Cromwell and Warwick Roads in Earl’s Court, West London on May 10, according to a report by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
She sustained serious injuries and was treated by paramedics at the scene of the incident. Holland was taken to hospital in critical but stable condition.
Holland’s family told the BBC that the Essex native fought for her life more than two weeks “but irreversible damage to her brain finally ended the battle.”
Holland’s son, Martin, said his mother sustained “multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries” as a result of the collision. He said Holland had been using a safe pedestrian crosswalk when she was struck, according to People Magazine.
Buckingham Palace said the Duchess of Edinburgh is “deeply saddened” by news of Holland’s death.
“Her Royal Highness’s deepest condolences and sympathies go to all of Ms. Holland’s family,” the statement read.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct, a police watchdog group, is still investigating the incident. The office has already interviewed witnesses to the collision and has obtained CCTV footage from nearby properties.