Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has been hospitalised with minor injuries and concussion following an incident at her Gatcombe Park estate, The Guardian reports.
Princess Anne, 73, suffered concussion and minor injuries, believed to have been caused by hitting her head or kicking a horse on her estate on Sunday. She was left in hospital for treatment, examination and observation.
A statement from Buckingham Palace said the following:
“The Princess Royal sustained minor injuries and concussion following an incident at Gatcombe Park estate last night. Her Royal Highness remains in Southmead hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and swift recovery. 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.”
Anne is believed to have been within the secure perimeter of Gatcombe Park estate, where she lives, at the time of the incident.
There were horses nearby and medics believe her injuries, believed to be minor head wounds, are consistent with a possible blow to the horse’s head or legs.
The princess is said to be conscious in hospital. However, due to the concussion she received, the exact details of the accident could not be ascertained. Anne, who is an Olympic medal-winning equestrian, was walking rather than riding at the time.
Emergency services were sent to the scene and she was transported to Southmead Hospital after being treated at the scene.
Princess Anne will have to put her plans on hold
Her husband, Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and her children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, were on the estate at the time. Her husband accompanied her to hospital. She is expected to be able to return home later this week, but because of the incident, events planned for the coming week will be postponed.
Anne was due to visit Canada later this week but on medical advice will now not go. Plans to accommodate the planned events are currently being looked at in close co-operation with the Canadian government.
It also means she will not be able to attend a palace banquet on Tuesday in honour of Japan’s state visit. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said:
“Her Royal Highness is recovering well, is in a comfortable condition and remains in hospital for further observation as a precautionary measure. Her Royal Highness is receiving appropriate expert care. No further details are being shared at this stage. Her Royal Highness will remain in Southmead hospital unless or until her medical team advise otherwise.”
King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, and Anne’s other siblings, the Duke of Edinburgh and Duke of York, were all informed last night.
The palace spokesperson said:
“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. The Japanese state visit will go ahead as planned, though sadly Her Royal Highness will be unable to attend the state banquet tomorrow.”
