Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
DUCHESS Sophie has broken her silence and said she is “deeply saddened” to hear the great-gran hit by her royal escort has died.
Helen Holland, 81, tragically passed away two weeks after being struck at a junction in Earl’s Court, West London.
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The great-gran was left fighting for her life following the horror smash.
Her family told the BBC yesterday she fought “for her life for nearly two weeks… but irreversible damage to her brain finally ended the battle today”.
This morning Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, broke her silence.
Buckingham Palace said the royal was deeply saddened to hear the tragic news, and that she sent her condolences to the great-gran’s family.
A 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.”
It is understood the duchess will also be in touch with Helen’s family privately.
Tributes have been pouring in for the 81-year-old, who is being remembered as “one of the kindest most joyful souls”.
One grandchild said she was “taken before her time”.
Helen’s son yesterday said she had died after “suffering multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries” while using the “safe route of (a) pedestrian crossing”.
Helen had been in London visiting her older sister at the time of the smash.
The police watchdog, The Independent Office for Police Conduct, had previously launched an investigation into the crash.
It said at the time, as part of its investigation CCTV from nearby properties and police body camera footage would be examined.
It added that cops who were on the scene would be interviewed.
Police have also appealed for witnesses to come forward.
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”.
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.