Woman seriously injured by Royalty and Specialist Protection Command motorcycle
A woman in her eighties is in critical condition in hospital after an accident involving a marked police motorcycle that was part of a convoy accompanying the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to a ceremony in Windsor.
The accident occurred on Upper Richmond Road, Richmond in south west London at around 12.50pm and the woman was taken to hospital in critical condition, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances of the collision, which involved a motorcycle attached to the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command.
An IOPC spokesman said: “The woman, in her eighties, suffered serious injuries and was taken to a London hospital where she remains in a serious but stable condition.
“In line with procedure, the MPS referred the collision to the IOPC. Our staff attended the scene of the incident and after careful consideration, we have launched an independent investigation.
“The investigation is in its very early stages and the officer involved is assisting our enquiries as a witness. Our immediate thoughts are with the injured woman and her family and those affected by the incident.”
A statement from Kensington Palace said: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were deeply concerned and saddened to hear about the accident on Monday afternoon. Their Royal Highnesses have sent their very best wishes to Irene and her family and will stay in touch throughout every stage of her recovery.” It is understood that the couple have sent flowers.
Earlier this year, the Duke of Edinburgh, 98, surrendered his driving licence after a crash at Sandringham.
