Woman died after collision with Royal Police

Woman hit by royal cortege - died

Of:  

 

Jenny Alexandersson  

 

Published: Less than 50 min ago  

 

Prince Edward

   

Helen Holland, 81, died after being hit by a police officer attending a royal motorcade. 

 

Prince Edward's wife, Duchess Sophie, 58, was on a royal mission when the accident happened.  

 

After two weeks of fighting for her life, Helen Holland fell asleep. 

 

Helen Holland was crossing a pedestrian crossing when she was hit on the afternoon of May 10 by a police officer who was part of a royal motorcade.  

 

Police escorted prince Edward's wife, Duchess Sophie. Eyewitnesses say that the elderly woman was thrown several meters into the air when she was hit at Earls Court in London. 

 

Helen Holland's son Martin told the BBC his mother fought for her life for almost two weeks before falling asleep. She had suffered severe brain damage, several broken bones and massive internal injuries. 

  

Helen Holland was 81 years old. Photo: Private 

 

"Deeply saddened" 

 

Buckingham Palace quickly issued a statement saying that Duchess Sophie was grateful for the quick response of the emergency services and will keep abreast of developments. 

 

But Helen Holland's life could not be saved.  

 

A new statement from Buckingham Palace announces that Duchess Sophie is deeply saddened by the passing of Helen Holland. 

 

"Her Royal Highness sends her deepest condolences and sympathies to Mrs. Holland's family."  

 

The Duchess will make personal contact with the family. 

  

Duchess Sophie. Photo: Pool/Getty Images