Prince William voices sadness following death of Army medic and PTI Lucy Wilde
The Prince of Wales has expressed his "immense sadness" following the death of 25-year-old British Army medic and PTI Corporal Lucy Wilde.
Tributes have been pouring in following the news of the death of the NCO, who recently transferred from serving with The Welsh Guards to The Royal Yorkshire Regiment.
Cpl Wilde was a respected and popular figure who had amassed a following on TikTok documenting her fitness routines and daily life in the Army - inspiring thousands of others in the process.
Warmth and compassion
In a post on X, Prince William reflected on meeting Cpl Wilde in 2024.
He said: "I remember our meeting during her time with The Welsh Guards, where her warmth and compassion were unmistakable.
"She served with courage and distinction as a medic and sought always to help others. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends."
She served with courage and pride
Cpl Wilde's brother Josh described her as "strength wrapped in softness", adding that she had served in the Army with "courage and pride" and "lived with resilience".
"She adored long walks with her dog, the peace of nature, books that transported her and the sense of freedom found outdoors," he said.
"She had a warmth and loyalty that was rare. A heart that gave even when she had been hurt."
Cymru Am Byth
Cpl Wilde joined the Army in 2018 and, in 2023, was posted to 1st Battalion, The Welsh Guards.
In a lengthy tribute, The Welsh Guards said she was known for her "calmness under pressure, tireless care for others and unwavering commitment to her role."
During her service, she was first on the scene during a mass casualty incident in the Falklands.
When a troop-carrying vehicle overturned, leaving a number of Guardsmen injured, her response was described as nothing short of "outstanding", and she was rightly commended for her courage and professionalism.
The tribute continued: "Away from her medical duties, Lucy brought the same drive and positivity into everything she did."
After earning an additional qualification as a Physical Training Instructor, she became a familiar presence in the gym, "always encouraging others to push themselves and improve".
"Her loss is felt across the Battalion and far beyond. Rest in peace, Lucy, you will always be remembered as part of the Welsh Guards family - Cymru Am Byth [Wales forever]."
An immediate impact
In early 2026, Cpl Wilde was then posted to the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Yorkshire Regiment (2 R Yorks). The regiment said in a further tribute that she quickly impressed colleagues with her "professionalism and outgoing personality".
"She had the ability to lift the mood of those around her, to make demanding days feel lighter, and to remind us that camaraderie is a great source of strength," the tribute said.
"Lucy leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, determination, compassion, and kindness. She will be warmly remembered by all who served with her."
Cpl Wilde was found dead at her barracks in Warminster in Wiltshire on 5 February.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the circumstances surrounding Cpl Wilde's death were being investigated.
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