Princess Anne, the youngest sister of King Charles III, sustained minor injuries and a concussion following an “incident” at her home, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday.
While full details of the accident have not been disclosed, the injuries suggest a possible impact from a horse’s head or legs. The incident occurred at her country estate in Gloucestershire while the 73-year-old royal was walking through Gatcombe Park.
Though she was not riding at the time, horses were reportedly in the vicinity of the incident. According to The Telegraph, Princess Anne has experienced some memory loss, believed to be temporary.
Buckingham Palace added, “Her Royal Highness remains in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and swift recovery.”
Princess Anne, an experienced rider, recently participated in the Trooping the Colour parade on June 15 alongside Prince Edward and Prince William. She drew attention in a video posted on X, which showed her calmly managing her horse’s erratic behavior during the procession.
After visiting Princess Anne at the hospital on June 25, her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, provided updates on her condition to those concerned.
“She is recovering well, thank you. 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,” he said.
She is expected to return home this week, but “on doctors’ advice, Her Royal Highness’s engagements for the week ahead will be postponed,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated. “Her Royal Highness sends her apologies to any who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”
