Princess Anne has acknowledged that she “can’t recall anything” about the horse-related incident that led to her hospitalization for head injuries and a concussion last month.
The King’s sister, who suffered minor injuries at her residence, Gatcombe Park, appeared healthy as she began her gradual return to public engagements on Friday.
Known for her steadfast dedication, Princess Anne, consistently recognized as the hardest-working royal each year, opted to attend the Riding for the Disabled Association’s (RDA) National Championships at Hartpury University and Hartpury College for her first significant public appearance.
Anne has served as patron of the RDA, a charity facilitating access to sports and physical activities for disabled children and adults, since 1971 and became its president in March 1986.
Upon her arrival at the university and college in Gloucestershire, Princess Anne received a warm welcome from RDA UK Chair Helena Vega Lozano and Chief Executive Michael Bishop.
After their meeting, Ms Vega Lozano revealed that Anne, who had a bruise under her left eye, had gotten out of the car at the start of the engagement and immediately admitted: “I can’t remember a single thing about it.”
“It’s a huge honour for the Princess to come to the RDA as her only event since the accident,” Ms Vega Lozano added. “It’s hugely motivating and inspiring to have her here.”
An ‘honour’ to Host Anne
Ahead of the royal visit, Mr Bishop had said: “We are honoured to welcome the Princess Royal to our flagship event the RDA National Championships, at which we are celebrating our 55th anniversary and delighted that she has chosen to join us as she returns to royal duties.
“As our President, the Princess holds a very special place in the hearts of the entire RDA community and has helped us celebrate many significant milestones and provided invaluable support for over five decades.”
Watching the Action
Seated alongside RDA UK Chair, Helena Vega Lozano, Anne, a former Olympic equestrian, joined supporters in the arena who were cheering on the equestrian competitors. The RDA National Championship is the biggest equestrian event of its kind for disabled competitors, held over three days at Hartpury University and College.
Competitors take part in dressage, vaulting, endurance showjumping, carriage driving, performance showing, and Countryside Challenge classes. The event showcases the RDA’s role in supporting disabled people to access physical activity and sport.
Mingling with Attendees
Afterwards, Michael Bishop, chief executive of the RDA, said: “We’re delighted that she was able to make it. Her commitment to the RDA is really welcome and well known. The Princess was on super form.
“It was lovely to see her again. She was very engaged while talking with all the volunteers and participants and there were a few quips thrown in, too. She was very switched on and recognised many of the volunteers because she had met them before.”
