Field Marshall Lord Guthrie in hospital following fall in front of Buckingham Palace

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

A former head of the British armed forces is in hospital after falling from his horse following the trooping the colour ceremony.

Field Marshal Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank received medical attention and was being looked after in hospital, an army spokesman said.

Lord Guthrie, 79, could be seen lying on the ground and surrounded by police officers after the fall, which took place near the Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace on Saturday.

Pictures showed Guthrie on the ground as officers rushed to his aid while another officer led his horse away. Details about his condition have not been released.

An army spokesman said: “Field Marshal the Lord Guthrie, colonel [of] the Life Guards, fell from his horse during the parade. He received prompt medical attention and is now being cared for in hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery.”

Guthrie, a former SAS commander, was head of the British army from 1994 to 1997 and then chief of the defence staff until 2001.

The defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, said: “Everyone at the Ministry of Defence sends their best wishes to Field Marshal Lord Guthrie on a speedy recovery.”

John Nichol, an RAF veteran, said: “Hearing Field Marshal Lord Guthrie was thrown from his horse earlier. Really hope all is OK – a nicer general officer you could not hope to meet. Wishing you well, sir.”