Princess Anne has cancelled several scheduled royal engagements as she continues to recover from a concussion and head injuries obtained in June.
The 73-year-old was hospitalised for a short period of time following the horse-related incident, before returning to her duties mere days ago when she visited the Riding for the Disabled Association’s (RDA) National Championships.
She has since however canceled several other scheduled engagements for the same week, including visits to lighthouse tender NLV Pharos in Scotland, as well as visits to Brancaster Station, Citizens Advice Norwich, and a barbecue with London Scottish Rugby where she was to be a special guest.
She did however still visit the Bulford Barracks in Salisbury, Wiltshire on July 17.
It is understood that the Princess Royal will continue to make a “phased return” to public duties” in the weeks to come.
During her attendance at the RDA, Anne was reported to have immediately admitted to having a lapse in memory regarding her health scare and was sporting a bruise under her left eye.
While she was recovering, Princess Anne missed several planned appearances, including a royal tour to Canada and a state banquet held at Buckingham Palace for the Japanese emperor and empress.
She was discharged from the hospital on June 28th.
During her stay at the hospital, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence shared an update on his wife’s health.
Speaking to HELLO! Magazine as he departed from Southmead hospital, Laurence said Anne was “doing fine – slow but sure”.
In a special touch, the Vice Admiral brought a “few little treats from home” to lift his wife’s spirits.
“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 went on.
Laurence added that he and Anne have been “both deeply touched” by the kind messages of support from the public.
A day later he visited once more, telling the press that his wife was “recovering slowly” and she would return home “when she’s ready”.
The Princess Royal sustained minor injuries and concussion from an incident at her Gatcombe Park estate, with The Telegraph reporting at the time that she suffered memory loss.
A statement from Buckingham Palace read: “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.”
While the details of the incident have still not been confirmed, the BBC reported at the time that it could have been related to potential impact from a horse’s head or legs.
The princess has been riding horses since she was 11 and has competed in many equestrian events.
When the news was first announced, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson revealed that, on the doctor’s advice, Anne’s engagements for the week would be postponed.
“Her Royal Highness sends her apologies to any who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result,” the spokesperson said.
According to a tally of her annual engagements, Princess Anne is the hardest-working royal. In 2023, she completed 457 engagements.
Meanwhile, her older brother King Charles completed 425.
It’s been a hard year for the royal family, with both Charles and Princess Catherine undergoing cancer treatment.
Kate Middleton recently made a return to the public eye amid her treatment, appearing on the balcony for Trooping the Colour.
