Lizzie Godwin, first female Life Guards officer, remembered as dedicated leader

Captain Lizzie Godwin has been remembered as a trailblazing young officer whose sudden death has left a huge void in the Household Cavalry family.

Capt Godwin commissioned into The Life Guards in 2020, after winning the Sword of Honour at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as the best cadet of her intake, becoming the regiment's first female officer.

In his eulogy, Lieutenant Colonel Tom Armitage of the Life Guards said Capt Godwin was a "talented, resourceful and compassionate troop leader" who achieved a huge amount in her five years with the Household Cavalry.

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She served with the Household Cavalry (Armoured Cavalry) Regiment in Bulford and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in London.

She said her time on mounted duty was "the greatest privilege of her life", leading her troop in the late Queen's funeral, preparing for the King's coronation and commanding a division of the Life Guards on the day itself.

At the time of her death, she was serving at the Army Training Regiment in Pirbright, where she was involved in training new recruits.

Lt Col Armitage said: "History may record Lizzie as the first female officer in the Army's most senior regiment, but I know she would want to be recalled simply as a tough and talented young officer doing her utmost to serve King and country and to lead and inspire other soldiers."

Capt Godwin grew up in Devon and went to school in Exeter, where she developed a strong interest in sport and first experienced military life through the Combined Cadet Force.

Before entering Sandhurst, she studied nursing at King’s College London, combining her degree with shifts at Great Ormond Street Hospital and service in the Army Reserve.

Her grandmother had grown up around the Army, but came from a generation that discouraged women from joining.

Capt Godwin was supported by her mother in pursuing a military career. Reflecting on that difference, she told Tatler in 2023: "I feel very lucky to be born in this timeframe."

Capt Godwin was commissioned into the Life Guards three years after women were allowed to join the regiment in 2017.

Alongside ceremonial duties, Capt Godwin was also recognised for her wider military achievements.

She led a medal-winning team in the Cambrian Patrol competition, one of the toughest in the British Army, deployed on equine training missions to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, and planned and commanded the Household Cavalry's musical ride performance at the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen in 2023.

She was a determined sportswoman, representing the Army at hockey, riding the Cresta Run and playing polo with the Household Cavalry team.

Earlier this year she won the Captains' and Subalterns' Trophy and was awarded her Army polo colours.

She also contributed to regimental life as a trustee of the Life Guards Association charity.

The Household Cavalry said: "Her sudden untimely death leaves a huge void for all of us in the Household Cavalry family and she will be remembered by us all as a lively, fun and dynamic officer with a very bright future ahead of her.

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."