Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, has been admitted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol following a minor head injury and concussion sustained on her Gatcombe Park estate. Buckingham Palace reported that the 73-year-old royal suffered the injury on Sunday and is expected to make a full recovery.
Sources close to the situation suggest that her injury might be related to an impact from a horse’s head or legs, although the exact cause remains unconfirmed. The incident occurred while Princess Anne was walking on her estate near horses. Emergency services were promptly called, and she was transported to the hospital for precautionary observation.
Buckingham Palace released a statement saying: “The Princess Royal has sustained minor injuries and concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate yesterday evening.” The statement added that King Charles III and the Royal Family are sending their well-wishes for her speedy recovery.
Princess Anne’s planned trip to Canada, scheduled to begin later this week, has been postponed due to the injury. She is expected to remain in the hospital until later this week.
Known for her dedication to public service and her robust schedule of royal engagements, Princess Anne has maintained a strong public presence over the years. Her commitment to equestrian sports and her participation in the 1976 Montreal Olympics highlight her longstanding passion for horses.
The Princess Royal, who was accompanied to the hospital by her husband, Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, had her children Zara and Peter Phillips present at the estate during the incident.
Princess Anne, the second child of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, was initially third in line to the throne at birth and is now 17th in succession.
