Princess Anne has returned home after spending five nights in the hospital due to minor head injuries and a concussion. The 73-year-old royal was struck by a horse while walking on her Gloucestershire estate, Gatcombe Park, last Sunday. She left the hospital privately and is now back at her residence.
Her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, expressed gratitude towards the medical staff at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. “I would like to extend my warmest thanks to all the team at Southmead Hospital for their care, expertise, and kindness during my wife’s short stay,” he said. On Tuesday, he was seen bringing a navy bag into the hospital, which reportedly contained “just a few little treats from home.” Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall, also visited her separately on the same day.
Princess Anne is expected to rest at home and follow standard concussion protocols. She will only return to her public duties when her doctors deem it safe. Her medical team believes the injuries were caused by a horse’s legs or head, but the exact details remain unclear. An air ambulance was initially called to the scene, but the princess was transported to the hospital by road after receiving treatment on-site.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer both wished her a swift recovery. Sunak mentioned that everyone is “immensely fond” of her, while Starmer expressed hopes for a “speedy recovery.”
Princess Anne, a skilled horsewoman, was the first royal to compete in the Olympics in 1976. Known for her no-nonsense approach and being the King’s right-hand woman, she is often seen as the hardest-working royal. Her hospital stay coincides with King Charles and the Princess of Wales undergoing treatment for cancer. The King has resumed public engagements, but Princess Kate has remained largely out of the public eye.
Anne’s injuries have led to the cancellation of her official duties for the week, including a state visit and a trip to Canada. Her spokesperson stated, “On doctors’ advice, Her Royal Highness’s engagements for the week ahead will be postponed. Her Royal Highness sends her apologies to any who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”
Former royal butler Grant Harrold mentioned that Anne’s absence from royal duties could have a significant impact on her. He noted that she might be out of action for weeks, which would be challenging for someone as dedicated to her work as she is.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening while Anne was walking on the grounds of her estate. Emergency services treated her at the scene before she was taken to Southmead Hospital. Her husband, daughter Zara Tindall, and son Peter Phillips were all present at the estate during the incident. Other senior members of the royal family were informed of her injuries on Sunday night.
This is not the first time Princess Anne has experienced memory loss due to a horse-related incident. In 1976, during the Olympic Games in Montreal, she suffered a bad jump that caused her to fall, leading to memory loss for that day.
Earlier this month, Princess Anne participated in King Charles’ Trooping the Colour ceremony on horseback. However, she nearly lost control of her horse during the procession.
Princess Anne’s return home marks the beginning of her recovery period. She will follow medical advice and take the necessary time to heal before resuming her public duties. Her family and the public eagerly await her return to health and her role as a dedicated member of the royal family.
Source: Sky News, CBS News, The Post
