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Prince Edward and his wife, Duchess Sophie
Photo: NEIL HALL / EPA
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and wife of Prince Edward, was on her way to a garden party when the accident happened: a motorcycle of her escort hit a woman in west London, who suffered several broken bones and serious internal injuries. Now the 81-year-old has died as a result of the accident.
Helen Holland had fought for her life for a long time, "but irreversible damage to her brain has finally ended the fight today," the woman's family told the BBC. The police inspectorate confirmed the woman's death.
Internal investigations into the cause of the May 10 incident are ongoing. According to the son, the woman used a pedestrian crossing. The 81-year-old, who lived north of the British capital in the county of Essex, wanted to visit her sister in London.
Duchess Sophie had been shocked after the accident and had the woman sent "heartfelt thoughts and prayers". The sister-in-law of King Charles III is married to his youngest brother Prince Edward, number 13 in line to the throne.
The head of the London police responsible for the royal escort, Richard Smith, said an independent investigation had been launched. Recordings from surveillance cameras and body cameras of the police officers on site would be analyzed. All officers present at the scene of the accident would be questioned, eyewitnesses would be asked to come forward.
ala/dpa