Military funeral for Captain Godwin sees hearse follow her daily route to duty

A military funeral has been held at the Guards Chapel in London for Captain Elizabeth Godwin, the first female officer in the Army's most senior regiment, after she was killed in a car crash.

Captain Godwin, 28, died on 5 September in a collision on the A322 Lightwater Bypass in Surrey.

The hearse carrying her coffin followed the same route she had once taken each day to her duties with the King's Life Guard.

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Nine mounted cavalry troopers from the Life Guards formed a detachment on the square for the arrival of the hearse.

Her coffin was carried by members of the regiment, with the chapel steps lined by dismounted dutymen from the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals.

At the entrance stood an honour guard of soldiers from Army Training Regiment Pirbright, young recruits she had been instructing at the time of her death.

Captain Godwin commissioned into the Life Guards in 2020 after winning the Sword of Honour at Sandhurst, becoming the regiment's first female officer.

She went on to lead troops at the late Queen's funeral and the King's coronation, and described her time on mounted duty as "the greatest privilege of her life".

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "An utterly dedicated officer who worked tirelessly and always for the good of her soldiers, Lizzie will be remembered as a truly kind, selfless and committed friend to all – seeking opportunities even in the most difficult of circumstances.

"She embodied servant leadership and everything it is to be a Household Cavalry officer."

Alongside representing the Army in polo and hockey, she deployed on equine training missions abroad, competed in the Cambrian Patrol, and served as a trustee of the Life Guards Association.

Her sudden death at 28 has left what the Household Cavalry called "a huge void" in its ranks.