First female officer of senior regiment dies in crash

Capt Elizabeth Helen Godwin, 28, died in a car crash in Surrey on Friday

The first female officer in the Army's most senior regiment has died in a car crash.

Capt Elizabeth Helen Godwin was part of the Life Guards, which is within the Household Cavalry.

Commanding Officer Lt Col Tom Armitage paid tribute to the 28-year-old, stating that she was "talented, resourceful and compassionate".

At the time of the crash, which happened in Surrey on Friday, Capt Godwin was serving in the Army Training Regiment in Pirbright.

'A huge void'

She joined the Life Guards in 2020, winning the Sword of Honour at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as the best of her intake.

She played polo and hockey for the Army and took part in ceremonial duties, including Queen Elizabeth II's funeral and the King's coronation.

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 soldiers.

"Her sudden and 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."

Capt Elizabeth Helen Godwin participated in Queen Elizabeth II's funeral

Capt Godwin, who grew up in Devon, was interviewed by British magazine Tatler in 2023.

Discussing leading a 29-strong troop, she said: "No matter what, you have to have a confident front, because if you don't believe in yourself, nobody else will."

Speaking about the King's coronation, she added: "I remember really looking forward to it and feeling so privileged.

"I had fortunately finished my equine training so that I would be in a privileged position to ride in the coronation."