Former head of armed forces Field Marshal Lord Guthrie Craigiebank hospitalised after falling from horse during Trooping the Colour

Former SAS commander was head of the British Army until 1997

A former head of the armed forces has been hospitalised after he fell from his horse during the Trooping the Colour ceremony.

Field Marshal Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank received medical attention during the ceremony and is now being looked after in hospital, an Army spokesperson said.

The 79-year-old could be seen lying on the ground and surrounded by police officers after the fall, which took place near the Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.

Pictures showed Lord Guthrie on the ground as officers rushed to his aid while another officer led his horse away.

Details about his condition or the reason behind the fall have not been released.

An Army spokesman said: "Field Marshal The Lord Guthrie, Colonel The Life Guards, fell from his horse during the parade.

"He received prompt medical attention and is now being cared for in hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery."

Former SAS commander Lord Guthrie was head of the British Army until 1997 and then chief of the defence staff until 2001.

Field Marshal Lord Guthrie fell from his horse during the parade PA (PA)

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson tweeted: "Everyone at the Ministry of Defence Defence HQ also sends their best wishes to Field Marshal Lord Guthrie on a speedy recovery."

RAF veteran John Nichol tweeted: "Hearing Field Marshal Lord Guthrie was thrown from his horse earlier. Really hope all is OK - a nicer General Officer you could not hope to meet. Wishing you well Sir."

Yesterday's military ceremony celebrated the Queen's official birthday as the British sovereign (although her actual birthday is 21 April).

This year's ceremony marked the first time Meghan Markle has attended after her marriage to Prince Harry last month.

Press Association