Princess Anne Returns Home After Hospital Stay for Horse-Related Concussion
Princess Anne, the 73-year-old sister of King Charles III, has returned to her residence at Gatcombe Park after spending five days in Southmead Hospital in Bristol. The Princess Royal was hospitalized following a horse-related incident on her estate last weekend, which resulted in a concussion and subsequent memory loss.
The incident occurred while Princess Anne was walking on the grounds of her Gatcombe Park estate. She was struck by a horse, leading to head injuries consistent with impact from the animal’s head or legs. Emergency services treated her on the scene before transporting her to Southmead Hospital.
Upon her return home on Friday morning, her husband, Sir Tim Laurence, expressed gratitude to the hospital staff. “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.
Princess Anne is expected to remain at home for a further period of rest and recovery. Her medical team has advised postponing all her official duties for the upcoming week, including a state visit and a trip to Canada. “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,” her spokesperson stated.
The Princess Royal, known for her dedication to public service, has been described as the “hardest working royal” due to her numerous official engagements. Her absence from royal duties is expected to have a significant impact, as noted by former royal butler Grant Harrold. He mentioned that Anne could be sitting out royal duties for weeks, which will be a “big impact on her.”
Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall, and son, Peter Phillips, were present on the estate at the time of the incident. Other senior members of the royal family were notified of Anne’s injuries on Sunday night. King Charles III has been kept informed and has sent his “fondest love and well-wishes to The Princess for a speedy recovery.”
This is not the first time Princess Anne has experienced memory loss due to a horse-related incident. At the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, where she represented Great Britain, she suffered a bad jump that caused her to fall. She later described her memory as “almost nonexistent for that day.”
Earlier this month, Princess Anne appeared on horseback during King Charles’ Trooping the Colour ceremony. However, during the procession, she was close to losing control of her horse, highlighting the risks involved in her equestrian activities.
Despite the recent incident, Princess Anne is expected to make a full recovery. The palace had previously stated that she was expected to make a “full and swift recovery.” Her medical team will determine when she can return to public-facing engagements.
Princess Anne’s dedication to her royal duties and her passion for equestrian activities have been well-documented. She is an experienced rider and has participated in numerous equestrian events over the years. Her recent hospitalization serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with horse riding, even for seasoned riders like herself.
As Princess Anne continues her recovery at home, the royal family and the public await her return to her official duties. Her absence will undoubtedly be felt, but her health and well-being remain the top priority.
Source: Getty Images, SWNS, Emma Trimble / SWNS, MEGA, REUTERS, USA TODAY
