Military horses from London's Household Cavalry to return to duty 'in due course'

The Household Cavalry horses that did not sustain serious injuries after they bolted through London will return to duty "in due course", the Army has said.

Two of the five military horses are being closely observed having undergone surgery.

Four people were taken to hospital when the animals were spooked in Belgravia and threw off their riders.

Some of the horses hit vehicles, including a double-decker bus.

One of the horses operated on is in an equine hospital. The other is being cared for at the Cavalry's barracks.

The two horses, named Quaker and Vida, that underwent surgery were in a serious condition, it was reported on Thursday.

An Army spokesperson said on X on Friday: "Every one of the horses involved continue to be cared for and closely observed.

"Two of the injured horses have been operated on, with one transferred to an equine hospital."

They added: "All our horses receive the highest standards of care, and those that did not undergo surgery are expected to return to duty in due course."

The spokesperson said there was no further update on the two injured soldiers who remained in hospital after being thrown from the horses. A third soldier has already been discharged.

A cyclist was also hospitalised in the incident but the Army provided no update on their injuries.

The horses of the Household Cavalry are trained by the Army for several months and ridden on the streets of London to get them used to heavy traffic and loud noises, including gun salutes and military bands.

The chaos began on Wednesday morning when horses of the Household Cavalry - military regiments that carry out ceremonial duties around Buckingham Palace - were being exercised ahead of the Major General's Inspection on Thursday.

Building material fell right next to the soldiers, which caused them to bolt, the Army said in the days after the incident.

One serviceman was thrown from his horse on Buckingham Palace Road, before one of the loose animals hit a taxi waiting outside the Clermont Hotel, shattering the vehicle's windows.

Two of the animals were finally recovered in Limehouse in east London, more than five miles (about 8km) from where they bolted.

In total, four soldiers were thrown from their saddles, the Army said.

The horses involved had been due to take part in the Major General's Inspection, which went ahead as planned on Thursday morning in Hyde Park.

Follow BBC London on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hellobbclondon@bbc.co.uk