Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh sends ‘prayers’ as elderly woman fights for life after royal police escort crash

11 May 2023, 00:37 | Updated: 11 May 2023, 12:26

By Kieran Kelly

@kellyjourno

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh has sent "heartfelt thoughts and prayers" after a woman in her 80s was fighting for her life after being hit by her royal motorcade.

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 has since emerged that the police vehicle was part of a 'royal motorcade' escorting Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.

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 Duchess of Edinburgh has said her "heartfelt thoughts and prayers" are with the family of the woman.

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."

Road closures have been in place while police continue to assess what happened.

The Metropolitan Police's Directorate of Professional Standards has been made aware of the incident, a spokesperson has confirmed, as is standard practice.

Read More: The party never stops: Kate and William all smiles as they host 'Coronation champions' at Buckingham Palace

Read More: Grieving Princess Anne comforted by Sophie Wessex as Queen's coffin arrives in Edinburgh ahead of first public visits

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.