Princess Anne has broken her silence with a heartfelt message shared on her behalf at a royal engagement in Canada while the 73-year-old recovers at home from a horror attack.
Princess Anne’s husband has provided an update on the Princess Royal’s health as Anne remains in hospital after being injured by a horse.
Princess Anne is understood to have been kicked by a horse while out for an evening stroll on the grounds of her Gatcombe Park estate on Sunday night.
SkyNews.com.au Digital Reporter Reilly Sullivan says it’s clear that it was “quite a serious incident”.
“Her husband … he’s come out, he’s said she’s doing better, but for the time being, she’s in hospital,” he told Sky News Digital Presenter Gabriella Power.
The Princess Royal, 73, was on Saturday discharged from a five-night stay at Bristol’s Southmead Hospital after she sustained minor injuries and a concussion consistent with potential impact from a horse’s head or legs at her Gatcombe Park home.
The younger sister of King Charles, dubbed the “hardest working royal”, was forced to forgo nine royal engagements this week including a trip to Canada while she continues to recover at her residence.
Princess Anne has broken her silence and conveyed “deep regret” over being forced missing out on a ceremony to commemorate war heroes in Canada. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
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In Canada, she was set to attend a ceremony on Tuesday marking the centenary of the Newfoundland National War Memorial as well as the repatriation of an unknown Newfoundland soldier’s remains from First World War battlefields in France.
The Governor-General read out on behalf of the Princess: “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.
“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, and I send you my warmest best wishes on this special day of commemoration.”
Anne’s husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, 69, expressed his gratitude to the hospital staff in Bristol who took care of his wife.
“I would like to extend my warmest thanks to all the team at Southmead Hospital for their care, expertise and kindness during my wife’s short stay,” he said.
Last week, Sir Tim told reporters outside the hospital his wife was “recovering slowly” and that she would “be out when she’s ready”.
Princess Anne has returned home after spending five nights in the hospital for a concussion.
It’s understood the 73-year-old suffered minor head injuries after being struck by a horse on her estate.
King Charles’ sister will rest at home and not return to public duties until doctors advise it is safe to do so.
He was seen last Tuesday carrying a large blue cool bag into the hospital which he said contained “just a few little treats from home” for a two-hour lunch with Anne.
“She’s doing fine, slow but sure,” he said.
Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall also snapped leaving the hospital after she spent an hour there visiting her injured mum.
Zara and her husband Mike Tindall were reportedly at Gatcombe at the time of Anne’s horse attack on Sunday June 23 and Sir Tim accompanied his wife to hospital after she received urgent medical attention at the site.
Neighbours reported spotting an air ambulance and a police helicopter as they “thought the worst”, according to the Daily Express newspaper.
“The air ambulance was on the ground for about 40 minutes I think – I’m not sure if it took her to hospital but didn’t look like it did as it flew off the other way. I really hope she’s going to be okay,” a neighbour said.
In a statement issued to social media the same evening, Buckingham Palace said: “The Princess Royal has sustained minor injuries and concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate yesterday evening”.
“Her Royal Highness remains in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and swift recovery,” it said.
“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.”