Met officer charged over death of pensioner killed by motorcycle escorting Duchess of Edinburgh

Collison on West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in Earls Court
Helen Holland, 81, was struck on West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in Earls Court on May 10 this year - Jamie Lorriman

A Metropolitan Police officer has been charged over the death of an 81-year-old woman who was killed in a collision with a motorcycle that was part of an escort for the Duchess of Edinburgh.

Helen Holland, 81, was hit at the junction of West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in Earl’s Court, west London, on the afternoon of May 10 2023. She suffered serious injuries and died two weeks later.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has 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.

Following the crash, Ms Holland’s son Martin told the BBC she died after sustaining “multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries”.

Helen Holland, who died from internal injuries following the collision in west London
Helen Holland, 81, died from internal injuries following the collision

Ms Holland had been having lunch with her sister Dorothy Phillips on the day of the crash and the pair had hugged before they parted ways.

Mrs Phillips said that she did not find out about the crash until hours later, when she called her sister’s home in Birchanger, Essex, to check she had reached home safely.

She told The Times that her sister was “street-savvy” and would have been careful when crossing the road where she was hit.

“We both knew it isn’t an easy crossing and she was very careful, even more careful than I am and absolutely aware,” she said. “Fitter than a 60-year-old and she knew exactly what she was doing. She was perfectly mobile and fit.”

Speaking about the last time she saw her sister, she said: “We did have a hug, and that’s awful for me because I feel if we hadn’t had a hug maybe she’d be alive, but then I wouldn’t know.”

Mrs Phillips also claimed that Ms Holland “loved” the Royal Family.

The Duchess of Edinburgh at an event at Picton Barracks in Bulford, Wiltshire on Oct 4
The Duchess of Edinburgh expressed her ‘deepest sympathy’ after hearing Ms Helen Holland had died after being hit by an escort motorcycle - KGC Photo Agency LLP

She told LBC: “Helen loved people and animals, the royal family, and believed the police could do no wrong. A great grandmother, gardener, and country walker every week. Something like an Angel. She will never be forgotten.”

Ms Holland’s grandson Joe Strutter Holland wrote on Facebook following her death: “Rest in peace Nanny (Helen) Holland. One of the kindest and most joyful souls you’ll ever of had the pleasure of meeting. Taken before her time.”

After Ms Holland’s death was announced, a Buckingham Palace spokesman 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.”

Rosemary Ainslie, the head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “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.”

Mr Harrison will appear at Westminster magistrates’ court on Nov 6.