Prince William has honored the memory of a brave British Army medic, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this month at the age of 25.
Corporal Lucy Wilde was well-known on TikTok, where she amassed a large following by sharing workout videos from her base’s gym and offering health and fitness tips.
Tragically, Cpl Wilde died on February 5 at her barracks in Warminster, Wiltshire. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.
The Prince of Wales has expressed his admiration for Cpl Wilde’s “warmth and compassion” in a heartfelt tribute. The two had met and taken a photo together in 2024.
In a message shared on X, Prince William wrote, “I was deeply saddened to learn of Cpl Lucy Wilde’s passing. I recall our meeting during her service with the Welsh Guards, where her warmth and compassion were evident to all.”
He continued, “She served with courage and distinction as a medic and was always committed to helping others. My deepest condolences go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.”
‘Colonel William.’
In a video posted to TikTok just three days before her death, Wilde revealed how the last five months had been a ‘struggle’ mentally and that she had been ‘in a rut’.
Prince William has paid tribute to Corporate Lucy Wilde (pictured together) after her death earlier this month aged 25
She sadly passed away on February 5 at her barracks in Warminster, Wiltshire, though her cause of death remains unknown
She also told how she was still recovering from a relationship break up, believed to have been with an older army colleague, who she split with last year.
Cpl Wilde joined the army eight years ago and served in military operations in Kenya, the Falklands and South Georgia, and ran the Rome Marathon in 2024.
She had been attached to the Welsh Guards until Christmas when she moved on to her next posting with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Yorkshire Regiment.
The Guards paid an emotional tribute to the 25-year-old, highlighting her cool head under pressure when she helped several colleagues injured in a training accident.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the regiment said: ‘In the short time she spent with us, she quickly became part of the Welsh Guards family – not just as an exceptional medic, but through the bonds of friendship she formed in the Welsh Guards, along with the warmth, humour and professionalism she brought to all who worked with her.
‘She was known for her calmness under pressure, tireless care for others, and unwavering commitment to her role. That commitment was seen most clearly during a mass casualty incident in the Falklands, when a Troop Carrying Vehicle overturned leaving a number of Welsh Guards injured. Lucy was first on the scene and worked relentlessly to treat casualties and ensure every Guardsman was accounted for and safe.
‘Her actions that day were nothing short of outstanding, and she was rightly commended for her courage and professionalism.
‘Away from her medical duties, Lucy brought the same drive and positivity into everything she did. An extremely fit and highly motivated Physical Training Instructor, she was a familiar face in the gym, always encouraging others to push themselves and improve. Through her social media, she inspired many more – offering guidance on fitness, service life and the journey into the British Army.
‘Lucy had a rare ability to lift those around her. She was popular, genuine and deeply respected. Her loss is felt across the Battalion and far beyond.
‘Our thoughts are with Lucy’s family, friends and colleagues at this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, Lucy. You will always be remembered as part of the Welsh Guards family. Cymru Am Byth.’
On social media Cpl Wilde regularly uploaded videos of her gym sessions and life in the army onto her TikTok page @lucywildefit to her 10,500 followers
She often filmed herself exercising in her barracks gym giving advice on health and fitness. Pictured: Running the Rome Marathon 2024
On social media Cpl Wilde regularly uploaded videos of her gym sessions and life in the army onto her TikTok page @lucywildefit to her 10,500 followers.
Her last video was posted on February 4, the day before she died, in which she talked about her four-month old pet spaniel Bruno and said: ‘Having a puppy is exhausting and I don’t think people talk about it enough. I love him and what we do together but I am constantly exhausted.’
In another video, posted two days previously, she revealed how she had been coming to terms with a break-up that had taken its toll on her mentally and physically.
Speaking over footage of her working out, she said: ‘I thought we could discuss the rut I’ve been in for quite possibly the best part of five months. If you’ve watched one of my last videos you’ll understand why I’ve been in a rut. I’ve been going through the break up and I haven’t wanted to train.’
She recommended to those going through similar issues to get themselves a training programme, either through a personal trainer of mobile phone app, to get back into a routine before adding: ‘It may not look like it but the last five months has been a struggle with the gym and I’ve basically been going through the motions.’
Although she never revealed many details about the split, the relationship is believed to have been with someone she worked with.
A video posted onto her TikTok in November last year was accompanied with text that read: ‘In ur 20s u will fall in love with an older man in the army. It’s very important you get away from him xxx.
‘Because I didn’t, now paying the price,’ she finished by adding a broken heart emoji.
