Princess Anne
Princess Anne, who will be 70 in August, is still hard at work as a member of the royal family. (Photo: REUTERS/Russell Cheyne)

Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, has been hospitalized following an incident at her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire. The 73-year-old royal is currently under observation at Southmead Hospital in Bristol after sustaining minor head injuries and a concussion on Sunday evening.

Buckingham Palace released a statement on Monday, confirming the incident: "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."

 

While the exact circumstances of the accident remain unclear, sources close to the royal family suggest that Princess Anne's injuries are consistent with impact from a horse's head or legs. The Princess, known for her lifelong passion for equestrianism, was reportedly walking within the protected perimeter of her estate when the incident occurred.

King Charles III has been kept closely informed of his sister's condition. The Palace statement added, "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." This sentiment underscores the close-knit nature of the royal family, particularly in times of crisis.

The incident has necessitated changes to Princess Anne's upcoming schedule. Her planned engagements for the week, including participation in a State Visit and an official trip to Canada, have been postponed. A spokesperson for the Princess 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."

Princess Anne's husband, Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, accompanied her to the hospital. Her children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, were also present at the estate at the time of the incident, highlighting the family's immediate response to the situation.

The Princess Royal's equestrian background is well-documented. She won the individual European Three-Day Event at Burghley in 1971 and represented Great Britain in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. More recently, she participated in the King's Trooping the Colour ceremony earlier this month, riding on horseback.

As the royal family and the public await further updates, medical professionals at Southmead Hospital are closely monitoring Princess Anne's condition. A Palace spokesperson assured, "Her Royal Highness is recovering well, is in a comfortable condition and is being kept in hospital as a precautionary measure for further observation."