The Princess Royal is in hospital after suffering minor injuries to her head and concussion when it is believed she was kicked by a horse on her UK estate.
Anne, a skilled horsewoman who competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, was walking on her Gloucestershire estate on Sunday evening when the incident happened.
Emergency services were dispatched to the estate and, after medical care at the scene, the princess was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol for tests, treatment and observation.
“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 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.”
The 73-year-old princess is understood to be awake but, due to her concussion, precise details of the incident cannot be ascertained at this stage.
Although the exact cause of the injuries is unconfirmed, Anne’s medical team have said her head injuries are consistent with a potential impact from a horse’s head or legs.
It is understood the princess was walking within the protected perimeter of Gatcombe Park estate when the incident occurred, and no other person is believed to have been involved.
Her husband, Vice Admiral Tim Laurence, who was on the estate at the time, accompanied her to hospital.
“Her royal highness is recovering well, is in a comfortable condition and is being kept in hospital as a precautionary measure for further observation,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.
Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall and son Peter Phillips were also on the estate, but it is not known who raised the alarm.
The princess’s accident is the latest health upset to the hit the royal family, with both the King and the Princess of Wales diagnosed with and undergoing treatment for cancer, and Sarah, Duchess of York, having skin cancer.
Anne is a key member of the King’s slimmed-down working monarchy, and has played an important role as she stepped up in support of Charles amid his condition.
The princess, often dubbed the hardest-working royal, is known for her no-nonsense approach and her commitment to royal duty.
At Trooping the Colour earlier in June, she was pictured expertly keeping her horse under control when it appeared agitated.
Anne will miss several engagements this week, including the state banquet for the Japanese state visit on Tuesday and a visit to Canada.
Reuters, AP and PA
