Captain Elizabeth Helen Godwin, 28, was a British Army officer in the Household Cavalry. Born in Devon she came from a military family. At school she played field hockey, was an equestrian and a member of the Combined Cadet Force. ‘Lizzie’ was awarded a British Army scholarship and entry into the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In 2019 she graduated from Sandhurst having been awarded the Sword of Honour and was the first woman to commission into The Life Guards, in 2020.
She rode in the processions during the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and was part of the Sovereign’s Escort during the coronation of Charles III.
I went into the Royal Salute in Buckingham Palace forecourt, and the gold coach came past, followed by the coach that had the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte in it. I looked over at Charlotte as she went through the archway, she was smiling at me and waved as she went past. What a magical moment that was. I actually had goosebumps.
Captain Godwin took her responsibilities as a role model seriously and attempted to inspire young girls to accomplish their dreams. In 2023 she led an escort of 47 soldiers and 33 horses for Anne, Princess Royal at CHIO Aachen in Germany.
She orchestrated the regiment’s ‘Musical Ride’, which is a series of cavalry drills set to music, which was performed in front of 45,000. By September 2025 she was training recruits. Returning to duty on 5 September her car was T-boned on a roundabout by a drunk driver. Captain Godwin was killed. The other driver was uninjured and arrested ‘on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and being unfit to drive through alcohol’. He was released on bail.
Captain Godwin’s Commanding Officer, Lt Col Tom Armitage paid tribute to her.
A tough and talented young officer, resourceful and compassionate. Her sudden and untimely death leaves a huge void for all of us in the Household Cavalry. She will be remembered by us all as a lively, fun and dynamic officer with a very bright future ahead of her.
Captain Elizabeth Helen Godwin was given a full military funeral, her coffin followed by her partner and her mother.
Princess Charlotte honoured ‘Lizzie’ with a handwritten letter and wreath to an inspiring woman who just happened to be the first female commissioned in The Life Guards.
