Police officer charged over death of gran hit by motorcycle in Duchess of Edinburgh's royal escort

Helen Holland died after being hit by a motorbike which was part of Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh's police escort

A police officer has been charged with causing the death of an 81-year-old woman by careless driving. Helen Holland, 81, died after she was hit by a motorcycle in the royal escort of Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

Now the Crown Prosecution Service has said it had authorised a charge of causing death by careless driving against Christopher Harrison, 67, following a review of the evidence by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 6.

Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “The charge follows the death of Helen Holland, 81, after she was involved in a collision with a police motorcyclist at the junction of West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in Earl’s Court, west London, on 10 May 2023.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that they have the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Speaking after the crash, Ms Holland’s son Martin told the BBC she died after sustaining “multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries”. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said at the time: “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.”