Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan recently qualified as an advanced regimental riding instructor and served at the Queen’s funeral and the King’s coronation.

The funeral was held at the Guards' Chapel, Wellington Barracks. Pic: PA
Image:The funeral was held at the Guards’ Chapel, Wellington Barracks. Pic: PA

A funeral has taken place for a soldier who died after falling from her horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

The coffin was draped with the Union flag and arrived at the Guards’ Chapel, Wellington Barracks, on a gun carriage as a trumpet fanfare rang out.

Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan suffered serious injuries after leaving the arena on 15 May and died at the scene.

Ciara Sullivan was described as a 'bright light in any room she entered'. Pic: PA
Image:Ciara Sullivan was described as a ‘bright light in any room she entered’. Pic: PA

Pic: PA
Image:Pic: PA

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

The King and other royals were present but weren’t told about the severity of the situation until later.

A spokesperson said the monarch was “greatly shocked and saddened” and would be contacting the family to share his condolences.

Friends, colleagues and senior staff gathered to pay their respects at the chapel in central London on Tuesday.

Three shots were fired from the barracks, near Buckingham Palace, and the soldier’s horse Neymar carried her riding boots in reverse in its stirrups – a traditional mark of respect.

Pic: PA
Image:Pic: PA

Pic: PA
Image:Pic: PA

Her cap and medals were among personal items presented to her family.

Lance Bombardier Sullivan entered the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, in June 2021, and had recently qualified as an advanced regimental riding instructor.

Pic: PA
Image:Pic: PA

Pic: PA
Image:Pic: PA

She was also deployed at the Queen’s funeral in 2022 and the King’s coronation the following year.

Her commanding officer said in a tribute issued by the Ministry of Defence: “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.”

Lance Bombardier Sullivan offered riding lessons to the mounted gunners in her sub-section and was often nominated to instruct officers in the King’s Troop, the MoD added.

It said: “She was passionate about everything to do with The Troop and participated in every extra activity available, including show jumping and The Troop Race.”