Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, during Commonwealth service
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Family of woman killed by Duchess of Edinburgh’s outrider throw support behind royal with extraordinary statement

'Fought for life for nearly two weeks'

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Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh recently said she was “deeply saddened” by the death of a woman who was struck by a motorbike that was part of the royal’s police escort. And now the woman’s family have supported the duchess.

Helen Holland was “thrown 40 feet across the road” after being hit by the vehicle, an eyewitness claimed at the time.

The 81-year-old was struck at a junction in Earl’s Court in west London on the afternoon of Wednesday May 10.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, looks serious
It is believed Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, will be in touch privately with Ms Holland’s family (Credit: Cover Images)

Family defend Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh

This week, Ms Holland’s son Martin told the BBC his mother fought “for her life for nearly two weeks… but irreversible damage to her brain finally ended the battle”.

She sustained “multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries” in the incident. It was also reported Ms Holland, from Birchanger in Essex, was using the “safe route of [a] pedestrian crossing”. She had been in London visiting her sister.

The Duchess of Edinburgh is deeply saddened to hear that Helen Holland has passed away.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said this week: “The Duchess of Edinburgh is deeply saddened to hear that Helen Holland has passed away. Her Royal Highness’s deepest condolences and sympathies go to all of Ms Holland’s family.”

It is believed the Duchess will be in touch privately with Ms Holland’s family. The police watchdog is investigating the crash.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, waves during the Coronation
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, was part of royal family celebrations during the coronation of King Charles earlier this month (Credit: Cover Images)

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh news

Now, the family of Ms Holland have defended Sophie. Ms Holland’s grieving son, Martin, told the MailOnline: “It’s not Sophie’s fault. We don’t blame her – the police did it. This is not anti-royal, no way. My mother loved the royals.

“It’s outriders going at high speed to stop traffic at lights [before the VIP sweeps through]. They’ve got to think of a better way.

“I know the royals need to be protected but they need to do it so it doesn’t endanger the public.”

Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh during royal service
The Duchess of Edinburgh offered her condolences (Credit: Cover Images)

It comes after the head of the Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Unit also offered condolences this week. Chief Supt Richard Smith said the “tragic outcome is being felt by colleagues across the Met”. He also said “thoughts are very much with the woman’s family and loved ones”.

He continued: “Officers know that their actions, both on and off duty, are open to scrutiny. And following our referral of the incident, the IOPC launched an independent investigation. We continue to co-operate with and support that inquiry.”

The Independent Office for Police Conduct previously said CCTV from nearby properties and police body camera footage would be examined. Officers who were on the scene would be interviewed, it added. There was also an appeal for other witnesses to come forward.

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Robert Leigh
Freelance writer