A shocking incident unfolded in London when a Metropolitan Police motorcyclist, escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh, struck and killed 81-year-old Helen Holland.
The collision occurred on May 10, 2023, in Earl’s Court, as the motorcade weaved through city streets to ensure safe passage for the royal.
The Victim and the Collision
Helen Holland, a mother of four, was crossing West Cromwell Road when she was hit by PC Christopher Harrison, 68, who was riding a BMW motorcycle at speeds estimated between 44 and 58 mph—well above the 20 mph limit.
Witnesses described seeing her thrown into the air, with one recalling she looked “like a ragdoll” before being taken to hospital, where she sadly died two weeks later.
The Motorcade and Its Protocol
The motorcade, which included a police backup vehicle and four motorbike outriders, left the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office shortly after 3 pm.
While the convoy largely followed communication protocols, the tragic collision occurred when Harrison drove through a red light at a pedestrian crossing—18 seconds after the lights had changed for traffic.
Prosecutor Michelle Heeley, KC, told the court that while Harrison was allowed to exceed speed limits and navigate red lights as part of his role, he still had a duty of care toward pedestrians like Mrs Holland.
“He should have seen her, he should have expected pedestrians, and he should have modified his driving,” she said.
Duties of a Royal Escort Motorcyclist
Royal escort riders have the responsibility to ensure safe passage for VIPs, controlling hazards such as junctions, crossings, and traffic lights.
Each motorbike in the convoy communicates hazards to the others in a leapfrog pattern, using whistles and blue lights to warn the public.
Harrison was positioned as a working bike in the convoy, tasked with managing the route safely.
However, the prosecution argued he failed to control the pedestrian crossing adequately and did not reduce speed despite clear warning signs and previous communication that the lights had turned red.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witness Helen Mott, visiting London from Bristol, described hearing a “sickening crash” and seeing the woman’s body thrown across the road.
Lance Corporal Ben Goodfellow, in the escort team’s car carrying the Duchess, said the incident happened incredibly fast, leaving him unsure how to explain it in the moment.
Background on the Special Escort Group
The Met Police’s Special Escort Group provides armed escorts for members of the Royal Family, government officials, and visiting dignitaries.
While this is the first fatality linked to the group, a previous incident in 2019 involved riders hitting an 83-year-old woman, Irene Mayor, causing serious injuries.
Buckingham Palace extended sympathy and praised emergency services at the time.
Court Case and Charges
PC Harrison, of Billericay, Essex, denies causing death by careless driving.
Prosecutors maintain that while he had a challenging job, he failed to exercise due care, resulting in Mrs Holland’s tragic death.
The case is now being considered at the Old Bailey, with jurors reviewing the sequence of events, the convoy’s communication, and Harrison’s responsibilities.
The Lasting Impact
The collision has raised questions about the balance between security measures for the Royal Family and the safety of pedestrians.
Families and communities affected by such accidents are left grappling with profound loss, as this case highlights the immense responsibility borne by those tasked with protecting public figures while navigating public streets.