GREAT-GRANDMOTHER Helen Holland has tragically died two weeks after being hit by the Royal Escort of Duchess Sophie.
The 81-year-old suffered devastating injuries on May 10 – with her family last night confirming the beloved family member had passed away.
Who is Helen Holland?
Helen Holland was an 81-year-old woman from Birchanger in Essex.
She was in London visiting her older sister when she was involved in a police crash.
Her son and daughter-in-law Martin and Lisa-Marie Holland previously told the BBC following the accident they were “shocked and sickened at her extensive injuries”.
What happened to her?
Helen died after being struck by a Met Police motorcycle at a junction in Earl’s Court, West London on May 10.
The motorcycle was a Met Police vehicle escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Helen was left in a coma in a critical condition, and later died from her injuries.
Her son, Martin Holland, announced the death of his mother, after she suffered “multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries”.
He said she was struck while using the “safe route of (a) pedestrian crossing”.
Her family told the BBC she fought “for her life for nearly two weeks… but irreversible damage to her brain finally ended the battle today”.
The police watchdog, The Independent Office for Police Conduct, had launched an investigation into the crash.
It said CCTV and body camera footage would be examined, and cops at the scene interviewed.
The Met Police’s Special Escort Group provide armed escorts for Royal Family members, VIPs, protected members of the Government, visiting royals, heads of state and other visiting dignitaries.
It also provides armed vehicle escorts for valuable, hazardous and protected loads – and can include high-risk prisoners.
What has the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie Wessex, said about the incident?
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “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.”
Buckingham Palace had previously said that Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh’s “heartfelt thoughts” were with Helen.
It is understood Sophie will be in touch privately with Ms Holland’s family.
Relatives have taken to social media to pay tribute to Helen, with one saying: “Rest in peace Nanny (Helen) Holland. One of the kindest and most joyful souls you’ll ever have had the pleasure of meeting.”
