BREAKING: William and Kate caught in horror road accident
An elderly woman was hospitalised in a critical condition
- by
Matthew Denby
A woman has been hospitalised in a critical condition and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been left shaken, following a devastating collision involving their convoy. It has emerged that the couple were on their way to Windsor for the Order of the Garter festivities - SEE VIDEO BELOW - when a police motorcycle accompanying their car struck Irene Mayor, 83, in south-west London.
It has been reported that the motorcyclist may have been on the wrong side of the road as part of his duties to clear traffic.
Irene was reportedly thrown into the air by the impact and landed awkwardly, breaking her pelvis and sustaining other injuries. She was hospitalised, with the royal being kept up to date on her condition.
‘The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were deeply concerned and saddened to hear about the accident on Monday afternoon,’ Kensington Palace confirmed in an official statement. ‘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.'
A shaken Kate maintained a calm front at the event
Getty
William and Kate have reportedly sent the woman flowers and intend to visit her if she is up to it.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed: ‘The woman, in her 80s, suffered serious injuries and was taken to a London hospital where she remains in a serious but stable condition.’
‘In line with procedure, the Metropolitan Police Service 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 member of the royal staff has since visited Irene, who is said to now be in a stable condition.