A “magical moment” of Princess Charlotte during King Charles III’s coronation has been recalled, as Elizabeth “Lizzie” Godwin, a pioneering female officer in the British Army, tragically passed away at the age of 28.

Nữ sĩ quan tiên phong Hoàng gia Anh qua đời ở tuổi 28: "Tôi nổi cả da gà khi thấy Công chúa mỉm cười và vẫy tay với mình"- Ảnh 1.

Lieutenant Elizabeth “Lizzie” Godwin, 28, was confirmed by the British Army to have died in a car accident on September 5. Before her passing, she had become a trailblazing figure as the first woman to join the Life Guards, the most senior cavalry regiment in the British Army, part of the Household Cavalry.

Godwin participated in several historic events, including Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022 and King Charles III’s coronation in May 2023. For her, these were not just duties but immense honors.

In a 2023 interview with Tatler magazine, Godwin recounted one of the most memorable moments of the coronation: As the golden state coach carrying the King and Queen passed through the Buckingham Palace forecourt, followed by the carriage with the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte, the young princess smiled and waved at Godwin—the only female officer in the Life Guards formation that day. “It was truly a magical moment. I got goosebumps,” Godwin recalled emotionally.

Nữ sĩ quan tiên phong Hoàng gia Anh qua đời ở tuổi 28: "Tôi nổi cả da gà khi thấy Công chúa mỉm cười và vẫy tay với mình"- Ảnh 3.

Beyond ceremonial duties, Godwin made significant contributions to her regiment. She spoke of the “race against time” to prepare for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral: “We had to shoe 200 horses in just a few days. It showcased the incredible strength and discipline of the entire regiment.”

Following the announcement of the tragic news, the Household Cavalry posted a tribute on social media: “Lizzie was a dedicated officer who worked tirelessly for her soldiers. She will always be remembered as a kind, selfless, and steadfast friend, always seeking opportunities even in the most challenging circumstances. She was the embodiment of servant leadership.”

Nữ sĩ quan tiên phong Hoàng gia Anh qua đời ở tuổi 28: "Tôi nổi cả da gà khi thấy Công chúa mỉm cười và vẫy tay với mình"- Ảnh 4.

Godwin’s passing is not only a loss to the military but also leaves a profound sense of mourning among those who witnessed the bold strides of this young female officer, who paved a new path for women in the British Army. Above all, the moment when Princess Charlotte waved to her during the coronation will forever be remembered as a radiant highlight in Lizzie Godwin’s brief but profoundly meaningful journey.