Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, has been taken to hospital after sustaining “minor injuries and concussion” at her Gloucestershire estate, Buckingham Palace has said.
GB News understands that the Princess’s injuries are minor, but are consistent with those expected from an impact with a horse’s head or legs.
It’s understood that Princess Anne had been walking in the bounds of the Gatcombe Park estate, where she’s lived for almost 50 years, when the incident took place yesterday.
Emergency services descended on Gatcombe Park, before Anne was transferred to nearby Bristol’s Southmead Hospital for appropriate treatment.
The Princess’s husband, Sir Tim Laurence, as well as her daughter and son-in-law, Zara and Peter Phillips, were on the estate at the time – while senior royals were informed of the news last night.
In a statement released on Monday, 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.
“The King has been kept closely informed and joins the Royal Family in sending his fondest love and well-wishes to The Princess for a speedy recovery.”
MORE ON PRINCESS ANNE:
Zara was on the estate at the time of the incident
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The Princess had been walking at her Gatcombe Park estate when she sustained the injuries
PA
A Palace spokesperson confirmed that Anne is “recovering well” and in a “comfortable condition”, and is receiving appropriate expert care in hospital.
GB News understands the Princess Royal is expected to be able to return home within the week, while Buckingham Palace has confirmed Sir Tim accompanied her to hospital yesterday.
Princess Anne had been due to fly to Canada at the end of this week for an official engagement, as well as attend the Japanese State Visit of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
As a result of the Princess’s injuries, GB News understands she will not be able to visit Canada immediately – as well as attend the State banquet tomorrow alongside the Japanese Imperial Family – but the State Visit “will go ahead as planned”, Buckingham Palace said.
Princess Anne had been due to attend the Japanese State Visit of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, who touched down in the UK two days ago
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Buckingham Palace confirmed the Princess Royal is in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure
The Palace added that the rest of Anne’s engagements for the week ahead would be postponed, adding that “Her Royal Highness sends her apologies to any who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”
The Princess Royal is a noted equestrian, and has represented Great Britain on the world stage in both individual and team events – alongside assuming the presidency of the sport’s governing body, the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) from 1986 to 1994.
While competing for her country, Anne suffered a concussion in 1976 – the same year in which she moved into Gatcombe Park – while participating in the Montreal Olympic Games.
The Princess Royal has won three medals for British eventing teams at the European Championships: One gold medal in 1971, and two silvers in 1975.
