- by Christy Cooney
- BBC news
image source, Handouts for families
A woman has died after being hit by a motorcycle while escorting Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, in London.
The family of 81-year-old Helen Holland of Berchanger, Essex, said she “fought for her life for nearly two weeks… but the battle was finally over with permanent brain damage.”
Buckingham Palace said the Duchess was “deeply saddened” and sent “deepest condolences” to the entire family.
A police watchdog is investigating the accident.
Holland was visiting his sister in London when he was struck at the intersection of West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in Earl’s Court on 10 May.
After the accident, her family said she was in a coma, and Friday police said she was still in a critical condition.
His son Martin Holland announced the death of his mother, saying she had suffered “multiple broken bones and major internal injuries”.
Sophie, who is married to the king’s youngest brother, will be in personal contact with Holland’s family.
She took the title of Duchess of Edinburgh when her husband, Prince Edward, assumed his new role in March.
Palace says Princess Sophie is deeply saddened by Helen Holland’s death
“The tragic consequences are being felt by our colleagues across the metropolitan area,” said Saputo Richard Smith, head of the Royal and Professional Protection Division at the Metropolitan Police, adding: “The thoughts of the women’s families and loved ones. deep,” he said.
“Our staff know that their conduct, whether on duty or off duty, is subject to scrutiny, and following our notification of this incident, the IOPC issued an independent An investigation has been launched, and we will continue to cooperate and support that investigation.”
The Independent Police Action Service (IOPC), which investigates the most serious cases involving police officers, said the investigation was in the “early stages”.
The government filed a witness appeal last week, saying it “would like to hear from anyone who has witnessed or taped part of this incident and who has not yet spoken to us.”
The oversight agency also said it would continue to contact Holland’s family, explain their role and provide updates on the investigation.
