Princess Anne is as well known for her tireless commitment to public service as she is for her love of horses. Unfortunately, the latter is what saw the Princess Royal rushed to the hospital with a concussion and minor head injuries on Sunday.
The 73-year-old was seen walking near the horses on her Gatcombe Park estate on the day of the incident. And, while the exact cause of her injuries is still uncertain, her medical team has suggested that they’re consistent with an impact from a horse’s head or legs.
PRINCESS ANNE IS RECOVERING WELL
Anne, herself, seems unable to recall the event due to the concussion. Fortunately, however, she is now out of hospital. The Princess Royal returned to her Gatcombe Park home on Friday morning.
Her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence kindly provided updates throughout the week on the beloved royal’s condition. He visited her at the hospital on Tuesday and shared that “She is recovering well.
“She’s doing fine. Slow but sure,” he said after leaving the hospital and bringing his wife “a few little treats from home”.
“We are both profoundly grateful to the medical team and hospital support staff for their expert care – and to the emergency services who were all so wonderful at the scene,” he continued.
“We are both deeply touched by all the kind messages we have received from so many people near and far. It means a great deal.”
BACK IN THE SADDLE IN NO TIME
Buckingham Palace was also quick to provide reassurance of Anne’s condition, issuing a statement soon after that incident that she was “recovering well” and was “in a comfortable condition”. Best of all, Anne is expected to make a full recovery.
“The King has been kept closely informed and joins the whole Royal Family in sending his fondest love and well-wishes to the Princess for a speedy recovery,” the palace statement added.
Given Anne’s robust health and energetic public life, King Charles’ sister, who’s often referred to as the “hardest-working royal”, is likely to be back in the saddle in no time.
ENGAGEMENTS POSTPONED
However, her planned trip to Canada this week has been postponed. Princess Anne will also miss the state banquet for the Japanese state visit on Tuesday.
“Her Royal Highness sends her apologies to any who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result,” the palace said.
Princess Anne’s hospitalisation is the latest health challenge facing the Royal Family. Her brother King Charles and Catherine, Princess of Wales have both been hit with a cancer diagnosis this year, limiting their public engagements.
