Princess Anne has sustained “minor injuries and a concussion” after an incident on Sunday evening, Buckingham Palace has said.
It is understood emergency services were called to the scene of the incident on the Gatcombe Park estate, Gloucestershire, on Sunday, to treat injuries believed to have been caused by impact with a horse’s head or leg.
The princess, 73, was then taken to Southmead Hospital for treatment, where the Olympic-medal winning horsewoman is expected to stay until later this week.
Princess Anne remains in hospital as a precaution. Pic: Reuters
“The Princess Royal has sustained minor injuries and concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate yesterday evening,” the palace said in a statement on 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.
“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.”
Princess Anne, the younger sister of the King, is a senior working royal who resides on the Gatcombe Park estate.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip with three of their children (from left) Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Charles. Pic: AP
The palace said the princess is “recovering well”.
Doctors have recommended she postpone engagements for the week ahead. It is understood that includes a trip to Canada scheduled for the end of this week.
“Her Royal Highness sends her apologies to any who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result,” a palace official said.
The princess will also be unable to attend tomorrow’s state banquet organised by the King in honour of Japanese Emperor Naruhito, who will be visiting the UK alongside his wife, the Empress Masako.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on X he wished the princess a “swift recovery” and said everyone in the country is “immensely fond” of her.
Labour leader Keir Starmer said he was wishing her a “speedy recovery”.
Read more on Sky News:
Killing Holly Willoughby was suspect’s ‘ultimate fantasy’, court hears
Pirates Of The Caribbean actor killed in shark attack
The princess is an Olympic-medal winning horsewoman. Pic: PA
The Royal Family has been hit by a series of illnesses in the past year, with both the King and the Princess of Wales undergoing treatments for undisclosed forms of cancer.
Kate said earlier this month she was “not out of the woods yet” and has “a few more months” of cancer treatment to go, as she gave an update on her health.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
She made her first public appearance since her diagnosis announcement at Trooping the Colour, to celebrate the King’s official birthday.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
