A British woman has died two weeks after she was hit by a police motorcycle escorting Sophie, Duchess of Edinburghthrough London.
Helen Holland, 81, was met by the royal escort at the junction 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 suffered serious injuries and was treated by paramedics at the scene. Holland was taken to hospital in critical but stable condition.
Holland’s family told the BBC the Essex native fought for his life for more than two weeks “but irreparable damage to her mind the battle ended at last.”
Holland’s son, Martin, said his mother suffered “multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries” as a result of the collision. He said Holland had used one safe crossing point when she fought, according to People Magazine.
Buckingham Palace said the Duchess of Edinburgh is “deeply saddened” by the news of Holland’s death.
“Her Royal Highness’s deepest condolences and sympathies go out to Mrs. Holland’s entire family,” the statement said.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct, a police watchdog, is still investigating the incident. The office has already interviewed witnesses to the collision and has obtained CCTV footage from nearby properties.
“Our thoughts go out to the woman, who has suffered life-threatening injuries, and her family,” said IOPC Regional Director Amanda Rowe. “We have been in contact with them to explain our role and will keep them updated regularly as the investigation progresses.”
Rowe asked anyone who witnessed the collision or had pictures of the crash to come forward “to help us determine the full circumstances.”
At the time of her death, Holland was reportedly in London visiting her sister. She was the mother of four children, grandmother of 10 and great-grandmother of seven.
Sophie became the Duchess of Edinburgh in March after her husband Prince Edward, the youngest child of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, was conferred the title of Duke of Edinburgh. The BBC reported that the Duchess of Edinburgh is expected to contact Holland’s family privately.
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
[pub1]