Police escort guarding Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh crashes into and critically injures 80-year-old woman

A police motorcycle escorting Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has crashed into and critically injured an 80-year-old woman who has been taken to hospital to tend to her injuries.

The incident occurred at 3:21pm on May 10 in East Court, West London, according to a Met Police Spokesperson.

"Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance attended and a woman, aged in her 80s, has been taken to hospital," their release said.

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"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.

Police motorcycles, one bearing King Charles' insignia, were seen at the cordoned off scene of the accident.

Buckingham Palace has spoken about the issue, releasing a statement on behalf of Sophie.

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"The Duchess's heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the injured lady and her family," said the palace in the statement.

"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."

The last public engagement Sophie attended was a garden party held on May 9 in honour of the coronation of King Charles, which occurred over the weekend.

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Sophie was seen wearing a blue Suzannah London Isla Guipure Lace Dress which retails for £1,290 ($2400), as she socialised with guests at the garden party. She also accesorised with two Hammered Jewel Torque Pearl Ivory & Gold Bangles which retail for £104 ($194).

Catherine, Princess of Wales, was also present at the party, matching with her husband's aunt in a stunning powder blue dress by Ellie Saab.

She had previously worn the same dress to the Royal Ascot, but this time she paired it with a pair of Gianvito Rossi Silver Metallic Leather Pumps. Catherine also wore matching earrings, a pair of 'Lola' Blue Topaz Hoop Earrings that retail for £3,400 ($6350).