Princess Anne, the 73-year-old sister of King Charles, ended up in hospital after being hit by a horse’s kick in Gatcombe Park, on her estate in Gloucestershire. An Olympic medal-winning horsewoman, she was walking on the estate last night when the accident occurred.
The princess was rescued on site, before being transported to Southmead Hospital of Bristol for investigations. His medical team believes the injuries he sustained are consistent with a potential impact with a horse’s head or legs.
This week’s commitmentsincluding a trip to Canada that was scheduled for the weekend and a banquet for the Japanese state visit (which will go ahead as planned, although the princess will not be able to attend the luncheon), have been postponed on the advice of doctors.
With a note, Buckingham Palace said that «the Princess Royal has suffered minor injuries and concussions following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate last night. His Royal Highness remains at Southmead Hospital of Bristol, as a precautionary measure, under observation and He is expected to make a full and speedy recovery». And again: “The king has been kept closely informed and joins the entire royal family in sending his deepest affection and best wishes to the princess for a speedy recovery.”
Anna, forced to cancel her activities, wanted to send through a spokesperson “her apologies to anyone who may have been disturbed or disappointed as a result”.
The Princess’ husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and her children Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, were all on the estate at the time of the accident. A palace spokesperson said that “he is recovering well” and, subject to medical advice, should be able to return home within this week.
