-Sachinthani Ketakumbura
Helen Holland, 81, who was hit by a police motorbike of the Royal escort carrying the Duchess of Edinburgh has passed away after almost two weeks in critical condition, says BBC.
According to BBC, the Met Police has revealed that the elderly woman was met with the accident at the junction of West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in Earl’s Court, west London, at 15:20 BST on Wednesday (10).
The woman was taken to the hospital immediately following the accident.
Hellen Holland, an 81-year-old resident of Birchanger, Essex, was visiting her older sister in London on Wednesday, according to her family’s statement to the BBC. Sadly, after the accident, she fell into a coma, and the police confirmed on Friday that she was in critical condition.
Regrettably, today (24), Hellen succumbed to her injuries following this grave incident. Her family has expressed that she bravely fought “for her life for nearly two weeks… but irreversible damage to her brain finally ended the battle”.
Sources from Buckingham Palace say that Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh is deeply saddened by Helen Holland’s death and that the Duchess and her husband Prince Edward will get in touch privately with Ms Holland’s family.
According to the BBC, investigations are currently underway regarding the incident. Chief Supt Richard Smith, who leads the Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Unit, expressed, “The tragic outcome is being felt by colleagues across the Met, and our thoughts are very much with the woman’s family and loved ones.” He further stated, “Officers understand that their actions, whether on or off duty, are subject to scrutiny. After referring the incident, the IOPC initiated an independent investigation, and we are actively cooperating with and supporting that inquiry.”
Sophie, formerly known as the Countess of Wessex, was bestowed with the title of Duchess of Edinburgh in March. This occurred following the announcement that her husband, Prince Edward, had inherited his late father’s prestigious title of Duke of Edinburgh. Sophie, aged 58, earned her elevated royal status as a heartfelt acknowledgment of her role in the Royal family as the late Queen’s beloved daughter-in-law.
The Duchess has recently returned concluding a two-day visit to Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. During her stay, she had the opportunity to meet with the country’s leaders and pay a visit to a girls’ school, where she engaged in conversations with students to gain insights into their educational experiences.
Certain members of the Royal family, such as Kate, Princess of Wales, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, are entrusted with the responsibility of addressing royal affairs and attending various events and discussions.
