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Princess Anne has been hospitalized with minor injuries and a concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire, Buckingham Palace confirmed. The 73-year-old princess, an Olympic-medal winning horsewoman, sustained these injuries on Sunday evening, reportedly due to an impact from a horse.
Emergency services were dispatched to the estate, and the princess received immediate medical attention before being transferred to Southmead Hospital in Bristol. A Buckingham Palace statement explained, “The Princess Royal has sustained minor injuries and concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate yesterday evening. Her Royal Highness remains in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and swift recovery.”
Sources close to the Royal Family indicate that Princess Anne was out walking on her estate when the incident occurred, with horses nearby. Although the precise reason for her injuries remains uncertain, her medical team suggests that her head injuries align with a likely impact from a horse's head or legs. The King's sister was accompanied to the hospital by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
Due to the incident, Princess Anne will miss several engagements this week, including the state banquet for the Japanese State Visit and a planned trip to Canada. The Palace has announced, “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.”
The royal family, including King Charles, has been kept informed about her condition and sends their “fondest love and well-wishes” for her recovery. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have also expressed their best wishes for her swift recovery.
Known for her dedication and work ethic, Princess Anne has been a prominent figure in equestrian sports and was the first royal to compete in the Olympics in 1976. Despite the incident, she is expected to make a full recovery and return to her duties soon.
