Princess Anne continues to cancel public appearances as she recuperates from a concussion sustained in June. The 73-year-old royal has been advised to limit her engagements while she recovers from the incident that occurred at her Gatcombe Park estate.
Princess Anne had planned to attend several events in Norfolk and Scotland, but these appearances have now been canceled. Among the events she will miss are visits to Brancaster Station and Citizens Advice Norwich, initially scheduled for Thursday, July 18. Additionally, she was slated to appear at a barbecue with the London Scottish Rugby team, but the club announced her absence via Facebook, wishing her well in her recovery.
"We are sorry to announce that HRH Princess Anne will no longer be in attendance for our pre-season BBQ on 18th July as she returns to reduced duties," the organization wrote. "We wish her well in her recovery."
This follows an earlier incident in June when Princess Anne was hospitalized at Southmead Hospital in Bristol after sustaining a concussion and minor injuries. Buckingham Palace released a statement at the time: "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."
After a five-day hospital stay, Anne was discharged and has been gradually resuming her royal duties. Her husband, Sir Tim Laurence, provided an update shortly after her release, stating, "She's doing fine - slow but sure. 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."
Anne's first public appearance post-hospitalization was at the Riding for the Disabled Association National Championships at Hartpury University and Hartpury College in Gloucester on July 12. The official Royal Family Instagram account posted about her visit, highlighting the Princess's involvement in presenting awards and meeting participants. The post read: "The Princess Royal began a gradual return to duties today with a visit to @rdauk's National Championships at Hartpury University and Hartpury College. At the Championships, the biggest equestrian event of its kind for disabled competitors, The Princess presented awards and met some of this year's winners."
The event marked a significant milestone in Anne's recovery, with well-wishes pouring in from fellow royals. Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton expressed their support via social media: "Super trooper! So great to see you back so soon," they wrote on their official Instagram Story, signed with their initials and an "x."
Despite her gradual return to duties, Anne had to cancel further engagements, including a visit to the 4 Military Intelligence Battalion at Bulford Barracks, Salisbury, Wiltshire on July 17. Additionally, her scheduled visit to NLV Pharos, a lighthouse tender in Scotland, and other engagements in Scotland on Monday and Tuesday were also called off as her medical team continues to manage her recovery.
Anne's resilience and dedication to her duties are well-known, and her cautious approach to returning to her royal responsibilities reflects her commitment to ensuring a full recovery. Her husband, Sir Tim Laurence, echoed this sentiment in his statement, expressing their gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received: "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."
The King's sister has been a stalwart member of the royal family, known for her tireless work ethic and dedication to her various patronages. Her temporary withdrawal from public life highlights the importance of health and well-being, even for the most dedicated public figures.
