Princess Anne, aged 73, was urgently taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol after incurring head injuries and a concussion from an incident at her Gatcombe Park estate on Sunday evening, June 23. Buckingham Palace has confirmed her injuries were consistent with the impact of a horse’s head or legs.
Renowned for her horse-riding prowess, the Princess was taking a walk on the estate when the accident occurred, as reported by The Washington Post. Emergency services initially treated her on-site before moving her to the hospital for further scrutiny. She remained in the hospital for five days.
Her spouse, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, expressed his gratitude for the medical team’s efforts and for the well wishes they have received, stating, “We are both deeply touched by all the kind messages we have received from so many people near and far.”
The Princess’s children, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, were present at the estate during the incident. King Charles III was informed about his sister’s condition and along with the other members of the royal family, sent his “fondest love and well-wishes” for her quick recovery.
According to Princess Anne’s daughter, Tindall, her mother experienced subsequent memory loss following the incident. The accident has left Tindall worried about her mother’s health, according to palace sources.
The injuries have led Princess Anne to call off her upcoming weekly appointments, including a state banquet and a trip to Canada. This change of plans is significant for the Princess, known for her industrious nature. In the previous year, she attended 457 engagements, surpassing all other members of the royal family. Her spokesperson highlighted that she apologized for any inconvenience her sudden unavailability may cause, but underscored that the decision was based on her doctors’ recommendations.
The incident has highlighted Princess Anne’s long-standing association with horses. As an accomplished equestrienne, she won the individual European Three-Day Event at Burghley in 1971 and represented Great Britain at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. Despite the inherent risks, her passion for horse riding has persisted, evidenced by her participation in the King’s Trooping the Colour ceremony earlier this month.
This event adds to a series of health-related issues that the royal family has been dealing with of late. King Charles III recently disclosed his cancer diagnosis, resulting in a reduction in his public appearances. During this trying time, Princess Anne has been a pillar of support, taking over her brother’s official duties when needed.
