Natasha Clarke
Caring

Tragic end for pensioner struck by royal motorcade

Helen Holland, the 81-year-old woman who was struck by a police motorcade escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh, has died. 

Helen was hit on May 10 at the junction of West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in west London’s Earl’s Court, and was taken to hospital after receiving treatment from paramedics at the scene.

Her family confirmed the news of her passing, telling the BBC that while she had fought "for her life for nearly two weeks”, tragically “irreversible damage to her brain finally ended the battle”.

Helen had suffered “multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries” in the crash, despite using the “safe route of [a] pedestrian crossing”, according to her son, Martin Holland. 

In the wake of the devastating incident, her family had announced that Helen was in a coma, with the police later revealing that she remained in a critical condition. 

In a statement reportedly shared with Sky News, the family had described Helen as a "beautiful, loving, kind, and caring lady who would always put anyone before herself.

"The family are deeply saddened and shocked at the news Helen was involved in such a tragic accident.”

They went on to share that while she had been 81 years old, she was “sprightly for her age and nothing stopped her living life to the full, spending precious time with her family, muddy walks with the dogs and lunches with friends is what she enjoyed most”, before asking that everyone keep her in their thoughts and prayers. 

Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace had announced that Sophie - the Duchess of Edinburgh - had offered her “heartfelt thoughts and prayers” to “the injured lady and her family”, and that she was “grateful for the swift response of emergency services and will keep abreast of developments".

An investigation was launched by The Independent Office for Police Conduct soon after the event, and it remains ongoing, with the police watchdog assuring Helen’s family that they would keep them “regularly updated as the investigation progresses".

That investigation involved examining footage from neary CCTV as well as footage from police body cameras. Additionally, officers who were present at the scene were to be interviewed, while the organisation sought other witnesses to come forward with any more information they might have.

While the family waits for answers, they are also coming to terms with their difficult loss, with Helen’s grandson - Joe Strutter Holland - sharing on Facebook, “rest in peace Nanny (Helen) Holland. One of the kindest and most joyful souls you'll ever of had the pleasure of meeting. Taken before her time.”

He went on to note that he was glad his grandmother and his son had gotten the chance to meet, writing 'I'll ensure he knows who you are, till we meet again”. 

Images: Facebook, Getty

Tags:
caring, Duchess of Edinburgh, Helen Holland, death