Duchess Sophie says her 'thoughts and prayers' are with elderly woman injured in royal motorcade accident

The Duchess of Edinburgh has spoken out after a police motorcycle providing escort to her vehicle was involved in a collision with an 80-year-old woman

Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh - Duchess Sophie woman injured motorcade
(Image credit: Getty)

Duchess Sophie has released a heartfelt statement after a police escort motorcycle rider guarding her car was involved in a collision with a 80-year-old woman.


Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh has issued a heartfelt statement expressing that her "thoughts and prayers are with the injured lady" following the crash.

The accident happened at around 15.21 hrs on Wednesday, 10th May and police confirmed that "a police motorcycle on escort duties was involved in a collision with a member of the public on the junction of Cromwell Road and Warwick Road, SW."

Sophie, who lives at Bagshot Park with her husband Prince Edward, who had recently been given the new royal title of Duke of Edinburgh, had been traveling in West London at the time of the accident.

Buckingham Palace said "Sophie’s “thoughts and prayers are with the injured lady" after the crash, which occurred in the Earl’s Court area of west London.

"She is grateful for the swift response by the emergency services and will keep abreast of developments,” the statement reads.

"Further comment at this time would not be appropriate while the incident is being investigated."

A police motorcycle escorts a vehicle through a security barricade near Westminster Abbey on May 04, 2023 in London, England. The Coronation of King Charles III and The Queen Consort will take place on May 6, part of a three-day celebration

(Image credit: Getty)

The Metropolitan Police's Special Escort Group provides armed escort for VIPs including the Royal Family, and the police's statement said, "Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended and a woman, aged in her 80s, has been taken to hospital.

Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh getting out of her car

(Image credit: Getty)

"She remains there in a critical condition. Her family have been informed.

"There are no reports of any other injuries. Enquiries into the circumstances of the collision are ongoing.

"Road closures remain in place while the scene is dealt with.

"As is routine, the Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed," it concluded.

The accident follows the weekend celebrations for the Kings' coronation, including a garden party held at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.

No further details about the accident are available.

Selina Maycock
Senior Family Writer

Selina is a Senior Family Writer for GoodtoKnow and has more than 16 years years of experience. She specialises in royal family news, including the latest activities of Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet. She also covers the latest government, health and charity advice for families. Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism, and gained her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. During her career, she’s also written for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman&Home, and Woman's Weekly as well as Heat magazine, Bang Showbiz - and the Scunthorpe Telegraph. When she's not covering family news, you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories (including award-winning scarecrows!)