BRAVE FACE
Duchess Sophie seen for first time since police motorcycle escort crashed into woman, 80, leaving her fighting for life
THE Duchess of Edinburgh has been seen for the first time since her motorbike escort crashed into an elderly woman.
The pensioner, 80, - who has not been named - is in a critical condition in hospital.
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It is understood the Duchess was being escorted with a rolling police escort manned by motorcycle outriders when the collision happened.
Today she was seen for the first time since the incident.
The duchess put on a brave face as she watched The Riding for Disabled category on Day two of The Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Wearing a beige Barbour coat over a flowery dress and wellington boots she took cover under a cameo umbrella as the jockeys took off.
On Wednesday Buckingham Palace said Sophie's "thoughts and prayers are with the injured lady and her family" after the crash in Earl's Court, West London.
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.
A Met Police spokesperson said: "A woman has been injured after being involved in a collision with a police motorcycle in west London.
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"At approximately 15:21hrs on Wednesday, 10 May a police motorcycle on escort duties was involved in a collision with a member of the public on the junction of Cromwell Road and Warwick Road, SW5.
"Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance attended and a woman, aged in her 80s, has been taken to hospital.
"She remains there in a critical condition. Her family have been informed.
"There are no reports of any other injuries. Enquiries into the circumstances of the collision are ongoing.
"Road closures remain in place while the scene is dealt with.
"As is routine, the Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed."
A palace spokesman said: "The Duchess’s heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the injured lady and her family.
"She is grateful for the swift response by the emergency services and will keep abreast of developments.
"Further comment at this time would not be appropriate while the incident is being investigated."
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