The family of an Army rider who died after performing in front of King Charles have paid an emotional tribute to their daughter.

Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, who was in the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, was fatally injured following an incident on Friday evening.

She fell from her horse at around 7pm, shortly after leaving the arena following the performance.

The 24-year-old was given immediate treatment but sustained serious injuries and tragically died at the scene.

Friends and family paid tribute to the ‘beautiful soul’ who ‘passed away doing what she loved’.

Ciara’s father Pat shared a picture of her on social media alongside a message, which read: ‘The honour. The service. They will never be forgotten.’

Her mother Wendy responded to a deluge of online tributes, writing: ‘Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to write this. She was doing what she loved.’

Thames Valley Police said the death is unexplained but non-suspicious.

Ciara’s commanding officer said: ‘Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, “Sully” to her friends, was to all who had the privilege of serving alongside her, a bright light in any room she entered.

‘An immensely professional soldier and an exceptional jockey, she approached every day within The Troop with an infectious energy – the kind that lifted those around her without effort or intention – and was unfailingly present for her comrades in both the small moments and the hard ones.

‘An outstanding soldier and a role model to many she worked with. She was fearless and gifted horsewoman, having ridden since childhood and having competed in the showjumping ring before joining the regiment.

‘It was this natural courage that made her always the first to volunteer to the ride the most demanding of horses.

‘Beyond her equestrian talent, she was a soldier of remarkable breadth. A skilled footballer, a dedicated presence in the gym who pushed herself and quietly brought others along with her, and someone who found cause to celebrate the smallest daily victories in those she served with.

‘A natural leader and instructor, she won the respect of all who had the privilege of working with her, and her patient coaching has helped many Mounted Gunners within the Unit fulfil their potential.

‘The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery has lost not only an accomplished soldier and horsewoman, but the kind of person who made the regiment, and the world, a better place simply by being part of it.

‘The thoughts of every member of The Troop and The Gunners are with her family at this tragic time.’

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the King was ‘greatly shocked and saddened’ to learn of her death, adding that he ‘will be in touch with the family to share his personal condolences’.

The spokesperson added: ‘While His Majesty and other Members of The Royal Family were present at the arena at the time the incident took place, they were not made aware of the severity of the situation until later.

‘The thoughts and most heartfelt sympathies of the whole Royal Family are with the victim’s loved ones and military colleagues at this time of grief.’

Charles met members of the Troop on Saturday morning alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, as he arrived for the third day of the event.

Ms Sullivan was a model soldier, once appearing on the podcast of official veterans’ charity, the Army Benevolent Fund, to discuss her Army apprenticeship as an equine groom for the King’s Troop.

Members of the ceremonial unit are trained to ride and care for horses, fire salutes, take part in parades, pull gun carriages and assist the King’s Life Guard at Horse Guards in London.

LBdr Sullivan joined the Army in November 2020 attending the Army Training Centre in Pirbright before joining The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in June 2021.

She ‘loved’ horses and had a ‘natural affinity’ for them.

Ciara had been involved in Ceremonial Operations since joining The Troop, taking part in multiple Royal Gun Salutes in Hyde Park and Green Park.

She deployed on both Op Bridge, the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth in 2022, and Op Golden Orb for the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camillia in 2023.

The soldier had recently qualified as an Advanced Regimental Riding Instructor and enjoyed training the military working horses and developing young horses, utilising her equine skill set.

She also enjoyed delivering riding lessons to the Mounted Gunners within her Sub-Section and was frequently nominated to instruct the officers of The Troop.

Additionally, LBdr Sullivan was routinely involved with delivering the Mounted Gunner Courses to qualify the next generation of King’s Troop soldiers for Ceremonial Operations.

She was passionate about everything to do with The Troop and participated in every extra activity available including show jumping and The Troop Race.

Lt Gen MR Elviss and Master Gunner St James Palace said: ‘The shock of LBdr Ciara Sullivan’s loss is profound.

‘A fine soldier, she died doing a job she loved surrounded by people who held her in the highest regard.

‘A dedicated, committed and highly respected junior commander; she will be sorely missed.

‘The Royal Regiment of Artillery and the wider British Army is a lesser place without her.

‘I could not be more sorry nor saddened by her loss and my thoughts, prayers and condolences are with her family and friends. Ubique.’

In a tribute on social media, Eleanor Lucas Bell wrote: ‘Today our sport lost one of its very best.

‘The soldier who tragically lost her life at Royal Windsor Horse Show was someone known to us personally.

‘She had ridden my boys, and I saw first hand the incredible talent, horsemanship and dedication she possessed. She was the very pinnacle of equestrianism — someone I looked up to enormously as both a rider and a role model.

‘In truth, watching her do what she did with such skill, confidence and professionalism was part of what inspired me to consider joining myself. I was completely in awe of her.

‘To lose her life simply doing the job she did every single day is a heartbreaking reminder of just how dangerous and unforgiving equestrian sport can be.

‘No matter the experience, talent or preparation, we work alongside powerful animals and accept risks every time we sit in the saddle.

‘Those within the horse world understand that reality all too well, but moments like this bring it into painfully sharp focus.

‘In a strange twist of fate, we are at Windsor ourselves today. We will be taking a quiet moment to remember her and to think of all those who loved her – both her family by blood and her Military family.

‘Her loss will be felt deeply by so many, which says everything about the beautiful soul she was. Stand down Gunner.’

Her friend Josephine Coates shared a tribute on social media. She wrote: ‘Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you until we meet again. Goodbye my friend, rest easy.’

Thames Valley Police chief superintendent Michael Loebenberg said: ‘We are appealing for anyone with information or material relating to the sad death of a military rider at Royal Windsor Horse Show yesterday to please get in touch.

‘Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and the wider community in the military and at the Royal Windsor Horse Show at this extremely difficult time.

‘At this stage, we have not found any suspicious circumstances. We are working with the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Accident Investigation Branch and Royal Windsor Horse Show organisers HPower to gather as much information as possible to understand how this happened.’

A British Army spokesman said: ‘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.’

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 521.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: ‘Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan was a brilliant young soldier who served our nation with dedication.

‘We’re all deeply shocked and saddened by her death.

‘My thoughts are with Ciara’s family, loved ones and colleagues at this devastating time.’

The incident occurred just hours after the King and the Duchess of Edinburgh were seen in attendance at the royal horse show on Friday.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show is a popular occasion among royals, and was said to be the late Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite event on the royal calendar.

It was first staged in 1943 to help raise funds for the Second World War effort.

The inaugural show was attended by members of the Royal Family, including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and the two young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show is the only time of year the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public.