Accident of the royal procession: an inpatient grandmother struck by Prince William's convoy

A grandmother is seriously injured at the hospital as a result of an accident involving the official convoy of Prince William.

Police guards are investigating the incident – the fourth involving a royal in just seven months. William and his wife Kate were leaving London to attend a ceremony at Windsor Castle when Monday 's accident happened.

It is thought that this involved one of the police vanguards, motorcycle police, who were blocking traffic.

It is not known whether the victim – named by Irene Mayor, neighbor of neighbors – was hit or fell.

"There was a massive police presence around the accident," said Simon Banks, who lives near the mayor.

"A lady was on the ground watched by paramedics and a police motorcycle was lying on its side on the road nearby."

A spokesman for the royal couple told the Mail that they were "deeply worried and saddened" and had been in contact with the victim's family. Flowers have been sent.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct stated that the 83-year-old victim had been taken to a London hospital where she was in a serious but stable condition.

"In accordance with the procedure, the Metropolitan Police Service referred the collision to the IOPC Fund," the statement said.

"Our staff went to the scene of the incident and, after careful consideration, we launched an independent investigation.The investigation is in its infancy and the involved agent is participating in our investigations as a witness. "

The incident occurred on Upper Richmond Road, southwest London, at 12:50 pm local time.

William and Kate were traveling to join the Queen during a ceremony of the order of the garter. When members of the royal family use public roads, they normally use an official car – in this case, most likely a Land Rover Discovery – preceded by another Land Rover armed with armed police.

Both cars have stabilizers at the front and back of the bike, for safety reasons and to clear a passage.

It is believed that the incident involved one of the members of the run group of runners who were designated to restrain traffic.

It is not yet clear whether the mayor was hit or if she fell. That's something the watchdog will investigate. The Duke and Duchess did not see the accident and, in accordance with safety procedures, the convoy continued to roll.

The couple continued their engagement, but was informed as soon as possible of what had happened and immediately made contact with Ms. Mayor's family.

The fact that the IOPC Fund has opened an investigation does not mean that the police officer involved committed a wrongful act.

The agency is responsible for investigating incidents involving officers and personnel that resulted in death or serious injury.

His work is done independently of the police, the government and any interest group. The Mail understood that William had been keen to visit the victim yesterday, but felt that it could be too intrusive. Instead, he and Kate sent flowers, after making contact with a family liaison. A member of their team from Kensington Palace has also been to see family members to express their concern.

The couple asked to be kept informed of the mayor's state and the family indicated that she would stay in touch. Police sources said any officer involved in an investigation by the IOPC Fund would be prevented from contacting anyone who hurt himself.

A spokesman for Kensington Palace said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were deeply worried and saddened to learn of the accident Monday afternoon.

"Their Royal Highnesses have sent their best wishes to Irene and her family and will be in touch throughout her recovery."

This is the fourth road accident involving a member of the Royal Family in seven months. The Duke of Edinburgh's crash in Sandringham earlier this year led him to give up his driver's license at the age of 97.

In March, it appeared that a Birmingham receptionist was battling a legal battle over a repair bill for his Peugeot 107 after his car had been hit by a police driver driving a royal, presumably the Countess of Wessex, last November.

Last week, it appeared that the Queen's cousin, the Duke of Kent, could be the subject of a police investigation following accusations that the 83-year-old woman arrested in front of another driver, causing him to crash his car.