- By Christy Cooney
- BBC News
May 24, 2023
Updated 2 hours ago
Image source, family handout
A woman hit by a police motorcycle escorting Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, through London has died.
The family of 81-year-old Helen Holland, from Birchanger in Essex, said she “fought for her life for almost two weeks… but irreversible damage to her brain finally ended the fight”.
Buckingham Palace said the Duchess was “deeply saddened” and sent her “deepest condolences” to the entire family.
The police are investigating the accident.
Ms Holland was in London to visit her sister when she was hit at the junction of West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in Earl’s Court on May 10.
After the accident, her family said she was in a coma, and on Friday police said she remains in critical condition.
Her son Martin Holland announced her death, saying his mother died after “suffering multiple fractures and serious internal injuries.”
Sophie, who received the title of Duchess of Edinburgh when her husband Prince Edward took on a new role in March, will be in touch with Ms Holland’s family privately.
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Sophie is deeply saddened by the death of Helen Holland, the palace said
Chief Supt Richard Smith, head of the Metropolitan Police’s Royals and Professionals Protection Unit, said that “colleagues throughout the Met are feeling the tragic result” and “the woman’s family and loved ones are in their thoughts”.
“Officials know their actions are subject to scrutiny both on and off duty and after we reported the incident the IOPC launched an independent investigation – we continue to work with and support that investigation,” he said .
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which investigates the most serious incidents involving officers, has previously said its investigations are examining CCTV cameras from nearby properties and police body camera footage.
The officials who were on site would be questioned, it said, and called on other witnesses to come forward.
The watchdog also said he has been in contact with Ms Holland’s family to explain her role and will keep them informed of the investigation.