Princess Anne rushed to hospital after suffering head injuries in horse-related accident
Princess Anne has been rushed to the hospital after suffering head injuries and a concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate Sunday night.
“The Princess Royal has sustained minor injuries and concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate yesterday evening,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement Monday.
“Her Royal Highness remains in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and swift recovery.”
King Charles has been informed, palace officials said.
The monarch “joins the whole Royal Family in sending his fondest love and well-wishes to The Princess for a speedy recovery,” the statement concluded.
The Princess Royal, 73, is said to have been injured by a horse during a stroll on the grounds of the royal residence Sunday evening.
The ordeal has left her with minor wounds to the head, which are consistent with impact from a horse’s head or legs.
Emergency services treated the royal on the scene before transporting her to the nearby Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England.
She has since received tests and treatment, and remains under the watchful eye of doctors and nurses until further notice.
Princess Anne’s husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, as well as her daughter Zara Tindall and son Peter Phillips, were all on the estate at the time of the incident.
Other senior members of the royal family were notified of Anne’s injuries last night.
Anne — the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip’s only daughter — is expected to be discharged from the hospital later this week.
“Her Royal Highness is recovering well, is in a comfortable condition and is being kept in hospital as a precautionary measure for further observation,” the Princess’ spokesperson said in a follow-up statement.
The royal’s engagements for the rest of the week have been canceled as she continued to recover.
She was slated to participate in a State Visit this week, and had an official trip to Canada planned for the end of the week which has also been canceled.
“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,” her spokesperson added.
While it’s unclear if Anne had been riding the horse at the time of the accident, it’s no secret that the Princess is an experienced and accomplished rider.
In addition to winning the individual European Three-Day Event at Burghley in 1971, Anne represented Great Britain in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.
Earlier this month, the Princess Royal rode on horseback during the King’s Trooping the Colour ceremony.
