King Charles and Prince Edward visibly shaken as a high-speed crash halted the royal horse show event.

King Charles was left visibly stunned after witnessing a shocking carriage crash during the Royal Windsor Horse Show—an event deeply cherished by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

On Saturday, the monarch, 76, stood alongside his younger brother, Prince Edward, 61, at Windsor Castle as the prestigious equestrian competition unfolded. The show, an annual tradition since 1943, has long held sentimental value for the Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth remained a faithful attendee right up until 2022, mere months before her passing.

What began as a celebration of British equestrian prowess swiftly spiralled into chaos. The royals had positioned themselves near the cross-country course to observe the high-speed carriage driving competition—one of the day’s key events. However, during a tense moment in the race, one of the competing carriages misjudged its trajectory while navigating a narrow obstacle.

With onlookers gasping, the back end of the speeding carriage smashed directly into a 6ft-high gatepost. The driver, in an attempt to squeeze through a tight turning point on the course, had veered just a fraction too close—sending wood splintering as the carriage collided.

King Charles, immediately alarmed by the incident, pointed towards the impact site. Prince Edward instinctively raised his hand to his face in reaction, appearing rattled by what had just unfolded. A witness nearby recounted the moment in vivid detail: “As one of the competitors came round on the obstacle course, the back of the carriage crashed into a 6ft-high gatepost that they were trying to drive through. They took it too tight and the back literally clattered into it.”

The witness continued, “The King pointed to it and Edward put his hand to his face, before explaining why it had happened.” Their expressions told the story—clearly disturbed, the royal brothers remained focused on the aftermath of the crash, which temporarily disrupted proceedings.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show is no minor affair. Held on the estate grounds of Windsor Castle, the event draws elite competitors and a host of international guests every year. The carriage driving discipline in particular is known for its intensity, with participants navigating a series of tight turns, gates, and water hazards at considerable speed. Precision is paramount—one slip can prove catastrophic.

It remains unclear if the driver or any passengers sustained injury during the collision. There has been no official statement from Buckingham Palace, and organisers have yet to comment publicly on the incident. However, the show did continue after a short delay, and the royal presence remained.

This year’s event marked a continuation of King Charles’s efforts to honour the traditions upheld by his mother. His attendance alongside Prince Edward underscored the family’s enduring connection to the Windsor gathering—one of the few annual events to have survived sweeping changes within the monarchy over the past few years.

Yet, for all its ceremonial splendour, the crash served as a stark reminder of the risks involved in high-performance equestrian sports. Though the King and his brother remained unharmed, the close encounter rattled the mood of what was meant to be a peaceful tribute to heritage and sport.

As the sun dipped behind Windsor’s ancient ramparts, the royal siblings quietly resumed their positions. But the image of a mangled carriage and a gatepost in splinters lingered—a haunting interlude in an otherwise stately affair.