Princess Anne has spoken for the first time since being hospitalised for minor head injuries and a concussion following an incident at her country home on June 23.
The 73-year-old, the only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II, suffered the injuries while walking at her Gatcombe Park estate in southwest England.
She was discharged from Southmead Hospital in Bristol on June 28, after five days in the hospital recovering.
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The Princess Royal had planned to attend the 100th anniversary of the Newfoundland National War Memorial in Canada on July 1.
But in a statement she said it was with “deep regret” she had to cancel her appearance.
“It is with deep regret that I am unable to be with you today, as you commemorate the brave efforts and sacrifices of the members of the Newfoundland Regiment who went into battle on the first day of the Somme,” she said.
Princess Anne has broken her silence after her hospitalisation. Credit: AP Photo
She said she was “deeply saddened” she was unable to attend, having “fond memories” of previous visits.
“I have fond memories of joining you in 2016, on the 99th occasion that the people of this Island commemorated the Battle of Beaumont Hamel, and I am deeply saddened that I’m unable to join you again.
“I send you my warmest best wishes on this special day of commemoration”.
Princess Anne’s husband Tim Laurence told the BBC his wife was “recovering well” after the incident at her country estate.
“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 said.