Royal convoy crash: William and Kate’s police convoy hits elderly woman leaving her seriously injured
An elderly woman has been left in a serious condition in hospital after a crash involving a police motorbike in the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's convoy.
William and Kate were leaving London and on their way to an Order of the Garter service in Windsor when the woman, believed to be in her eighties, was knocked down.
She was rushed to hospital and remained their last night after being struck by the marked police vehicle in Richmond, west London, on Monday.
The duke and duchess are "deeply concerned and saddened" by what happened and have been in touch with the woman who they say is called Irene, Kensington Palace said.
The victim has been named locally as Irene Mayor, 83. The Duke and Duchess told Mrs Mayor's daughter Fiona that they would like to meet Irene once she is well enough.
They also sent her flowers with a handwritten note expressing their sorrow.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances of the collision, which involved a motorcycle attached to the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command.
An IOPC spokesman said: "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."
Kensington Palace said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were deeply concerned and saddened to hear about the accident on Monday afternoon.
"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."
The accident took place at around 12.50pm when the royal couple were on their way to Windsor for the St George's Chapel service commemorating the Order of the Garter.
Earlier this year, the Duke of Edinburgh, 98, surrendered his driving licence after a crash at Sandringham.
Philip flipped his Land Rover Freelander on January 17 after colliding with a Kia as he pulled out onto the A149 in Norfolk.
