LONDON — The Duchess of Edinburgh expressed her condolences Wednesday after the death of an 81-year-old woman who was struck by a motorcycle that was part of the U.K. royal’s police escort.
Sophie, the wife of Prince Edward, the younger brother of King Charles III, expressed her sympathies for the death of Helen Holland, who was hit at a West London intersection on May 10.
“The Duchess of Edinburgh is deeply saddened to hear that Helen Holland has passed away,” Buckingham Palace said. “Her Royal Highness’s deepest condolences and sympathies go to all of Ms Holland’s family.”
Holland’s son, Martin, told the BBC that his mother died after
sustaining “multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries.” Holland,
who is from Essex, had reportedly been visiting her older sister in
London.
Her son said she fought “for her life for nearly two
weeks … but irreversible damage to her brain finally ended the battle
today.”
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is
investigating the crash.
Holland was hospitalized for nearly
three weeks after the collision. At the time the Duchess of Edinburgh said
her "heartfelt thoughts and prayers" and expressed gratitude for the "swift
response by the emergency services.”
News of Holland's death
comes as the Duke of Edinburgh is traveling to the Czech Republic as part of
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, an award for youth to help them
find their passion in the world.
Prince Edward took on the traveling role associated with the
Duke of Edinburgh Award after King Charles III gave the Duke the title which
was created for his father Prince Philip, who died in April 2021.
"The new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are proud to continue
Prince Philip’s legacy of promoting opportunities for young people of all
backgrounds to reach their full potential," Buckingham Palace said at the
time.
