King Charles comforts crowds with Windsor visit 24 hours after fatal tragedy

When I arrived at Windsor Castle to cover the third day of the show for GB News, it was immediately clear the organisers were still processing the shock of Friday evening’s tragedy.

Media were informed on arrival that no organisers would be available for interview, with officials choosing not to speak publicly “out of respect” for the soldier who lost their life.

The fatal incident occurred at around 7pm on Friday, shortly after the King’s Troop had completed their display and exited the arena.

Despite immediate medical treatment, the soldier died at the scene from serious injuries.

Thames Valley Police later confirmed the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.

A police spokesman said: “We are working with the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Accident Investigation Branch and Royal Windsor Horse Show organisers to gather as much information as possible to understand how this happened.”

In a statement, Royal Windsor Horse Show organisers said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the soldier who sadly died yesterday.”

They also confirmed that the show would continue as planned, with the King’s Troop display removed from the programme as a mark of respect.

An Army spokesman added: “It is with deep regret that we announce a member of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery died on Friday 15 May, following a tragic incident at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

“The family has been notified, and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time.”

There had been genuine uncertainty among those working behind the scenes about whether King Charles III would attend on Saturday following the accident.

But when the King arrived at Home Park, any doubt was swept away by an extraordinary reaction from members of the public.

I watched as His Majesty stepped out to greet well-wishers gathered around the showground barriers.

Less than a day after tragedy had struck, applause broke out across the crowd, with royal fans craning for a glimpse of their monarch and many cheering as he made his way through the public.

As the King later prepared to leave, the atmosphere became even more emotional, with spontaneous applause ringing out as he got into his car.

Also attending Saturday’s events were Prince Edward, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and their daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, continuing the Royal Family’s longstanding support of the Windsor show.

Buckingham Palace later confirmed the King had been deeply affected by the incident, with a spokesman saying His Majesty was “greatly shocked and saddened” to learn of the soldier’s death, and that he intended to pass on his personal condolences to the family.

His Majesty met with members of The King’s Troop this morning in a show of solidarity.