“YOU FULFILLED YOUR DREAM, BABY. IT’S TIME TO COME HOME…” — FAMILY FULFILLS TRAGIC YOUNG SOLDIER’S FINAL WISH. There was barely a dry eye in the room as her father’s voice trembled, sharing stories of his daughter’s childhood dream. She worked twice as hard as anyone else just to earn her place in the prestigious ranks and participate in the Royal event. But just as she touched the glory she always wanted, fate cruelly snatched her away forever. 💔😭 Behind the strict and solemn military funeral protocols, her grieving family made a deeply emotional decision regarding her final wish—a beautiful gesture that moved her entire regiment to tears. 👇 What was this young soldier’s heartbreaking final wish, and how did her comrades honor it?.tt

A funeral service has been held for Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, the 24-year-old soldier who died after a fall from her horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Family, friends, senior regimental staff, and military colleagues gathered at The Guards’ Chapel, Wellington Barracks, in central London, to pay their respects.

The ceremony was marked by traditional military honors. State trumpeters from The Band of the Household Cavalry played fanfares as L/Bdr Sullivan’s coffin, draped in the Union flag, arrived by gun carriage from The Royal Mews.

A three-round volley was fired within Wellington Barracks, followed by the presentation of her personal items, including her cap and medals, to her grieving family.

In a poignant display of military respect, her horse, Neymar, carried her riding boots reversed in its stirrups, symbolizing her final journey.

Flags across all Army buildings in London flew at half-mast in her honor, while floral tributes spelling “Sully,” her nickname, were surrounded by photographs of her in uniform with her horse.

L/Bdr Sullivan, a member of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, sustained fatal injuries on May 15 at approximately 7 p.m. after exiting the arena, and died at the scene. She had previously served in significant ceremonial roles, including the state funeral of the late Queen in 2022 and the coronation of Charles and Camilla the following year.

Known for her deep affection and natural affinity for horses, L/Bdr Sullivan was remembered by her commanding officer as an exceptional talent.

In a tribute released by the Ministry of Defense, her commanding officer stated: “Lance Bombardier (L/Bdr) Ciara Sullivan, ‘Sully’ to her friends, was to all who had the privilege of serving alongside her, a bright light in any room she entered. An immensely professional soldier and an exceptional jockey, she approached every day within The Troop with an infectious energy — the kind that lifted those around her without effort or intention — and was unfailingly present for her comrades in both the small moments and the hard ones.”

Buckingham Palace previously confirmed that the King was “greatly shocked and saddened” by L/Bdr Sullivan’s death and intended to convey his condolences to her family. Charles and other members of the royal family were present at the arena during the incident but were not informed of its severity until later, according to a palace spokesman.

L/Bdr Sullivan joined the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, near Woking, Surrey, in November 2020, and entered the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, in June 2021. Her service included numerous ceremonial operations, such as Royal Gun Salutes in Hyde Park and Green Park in London.

She had recently qualified as an advanced regimental riding instructor, dedicating herself to developing young horses and training military mounts. She frequently offered riding lessons to mounted gunners and instructed officers within the King’s Troop.

The Ministry of Defense highlighted her passion for all aspects of The Troop, noting her active participation in extra activities like show jumping and The Troop Race.