Family of woman left in coma by royal police escort crash 'praying for a miracle' as they pay tribute to 'kind lady'
12 May 2023, 22:29 | Updated: 14 May 2023, 11:44
The family of a woman who was badly hurt in a royal police escort crash in west London are praying for a miracle as their relative remains in a coma in hospital.
Helen Holland, 81, was injured in the crash happened just before 3.30pm on Wednesday at the junction of Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in Earl's Court, west London.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after a police motorcycle collided with the woman, who remains in hospital.
It later emerged that the police vehicle was part of a royal motorcade escorting Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh sent "heartfelt thoughts and prayers" after hearing about Ms Holland's condition.
Ms Holland's family said she is a "beautiful, loving, kind and caring lady who would always put anyone before herself".
"The family are deeply saddened and shocked at the news Helen was involved in such a tragic accident," they told Sky News.
"Helen may be 81-years-old but she is sprightly for her age and nothing stopped her living life to the full, spending precious time with her family, muddy walks with the dogs and lunches with friends is what she enjoyed most."
Ms Holland's son and daughter-in-law Martin and Lisa-Marie Holland said earlier that they had been left "shocked and sickened at her extensive injuries".
"She is being well cared for by the NHS who we must thank deeply for their help in keeping her alive," they added.
In a short statement, Buckingham Palace said: "The Duchess's heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the injured lady and her family.
"She is grateful for the swift response by the emergency services and will keep abreast of developments.
"Further comment at this time would not be appropriate while the incident is being investigated."
Cromwell Road connects with Talgarth Road, which leads drivers through Hammersmith, Chiswick towards the M4 motorway, which leads to Windsor, though it is unclear when the Duchess was travelling to.
Moving eastbound, the road heads through South Kensington, towards central London.
The Metropolitan Police's Directorate of Professional Standards has been made aware of the incident, a spokesperson has confirmed, as is standard practice.
It comes just a day after the Duchess of Edinburgh joined the Prince and Princess of Wales at a Buckingham Palace garden party.
Overall, eight thousand people were welcomed into the grounds for the event, which celebrated the work of volunteers, military personnel and members of the public.
The couple were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, who matched Kate by wearing a regal blue dress.
