The kin of Helen Holland, an 81-year-old Essex resident tragically killed in an accident involving the motorcycle escort of Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, have pointedly absolved the royal of any blame. Instead, they attribute the tragic incident to the police.
Helen Holland was critically injured and subsequently fell into a coma after being hit and hurled 40 feet while walking on an approved pedestrian crossway at West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road junction in Earl's Court, London. The pensioner, who had sustained severe brain injuries, internal damages, and multiple fractures, fought for her life for nearly two weeks in the hospital. She was in the city to see her sister when the incident occurred. After an agonizing period, her family decided to end her life support last Tuesday.
Although some members of the public pointed fingers at the Duchess of Edinburgh following news of Helen's death, Martin Holland, Helen's son, emphasized that the 58-year-old royal was not responsible. He was quoted in the Daily Mail saying, "It's not Sophie's fault. We don't blame her - the police did it." Martin, a project director for a construction firm, also added, "My mother loved the royals."
Martin, who has reportedly been advocating for a revamp of police escorts since the accident, painted a picture of motorcycles regularly speeding in the area. He expressed concern about outriders speeding to halt traffic for VIPs and called for a safer system that wouldn't jeopardize public safety while providing security for the royals.
A poignant moment saw Martin, Helen's sister Dorothy, and daughter-in-law Lisa-Marie visiting the accident scene, leaving flowers as a touching tribute to Helen's memory.
Helen was struck by the royal escort at a junction in Earl's Court on May 10. Witnesses reported that she stepped onto the road to look around black screens set up around a junction box for King Charles III's coronation. Dorothy recalled that her sister was familiar with the hazards of the busy Earl's Court route and was always cautious.
Following the accident, Dorothy shared a disheartening anecdote about her struggle to find a taxi and a police officer's curt response: "We're not a taxi service." Despite her ordeal, she bore no ill will towards them.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOC) has initiated an investigation into the incident, and the officer involved has been reassigned to a non-public-facing role during the probe.
The Duchess of Edinburgh expressed her "deepest condolences" to the Holland family in a statement released by Buckingham Palace, stating she was "deeply saddened" by Helen's passing. The Duchess is expected to offer personal condolences to the bereaved family in due course. Helen is survived by her four children, ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
