Princess Anne, the sister of King Charles III, is currently recuperating in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, following an incident involving a horse at her estate, Gatcombe Park. Her husband, Tim Laurence, informed reporters on Wednesday that the 73-year-old princess is recovering at her own pace and will return home when ready.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, resulted in Princess Anne suffering from concussion and minor head injuries. She was promptly airlifted to the hospital for medical attention. Reports suggest that the injuries are consistent with being struck by a horse, while the precise details of the accident remain unclear due to her concussion.
Princess Anne, known formally as the Princess Royal, is renowned for her equestrian skills, having competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. She is also recognized as one of the hardest-working members of the royal family, often stepping in for her brother, King Charles III, during his public engagements.
Unfortunately, the accident caused Princess Anne to miss a state banquet on Tuesday hosted in honor of Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s visit and has necessitated the cancellation of her upcoming trip to Canada.
Buckingham Palace assured the public that Princess Anne is in the hospital as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to recover fully and swiftly from her injuries.
The incident underscores the risks involved in equestrian activities, even for seasoned riders like Princess Anne, highlighting the importance of safety precautions in such pursuits.