Princess Anne Hospitalized After Suffering Head Injuries at Gatcombe Park

Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, was rushed to Southmead Hospital in Bristol after sustaining head injuries and a concussion in an incident at the Gatcombe Park estate on Sunday night. Buckingham Palace confirmed the news in a statement released Monday, indicating that the injuries are minor.

Princess Anne has been rushed to the hospital after suffering head injuries and a concussion. AP

“Princess Royal has sustained minor injuries and concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate yesterday evening,” the statement read. “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 incident reportedly involved a horse during a stroll on the grounds of the royal residence. The injuries Princess Anne, 73, sustained are consistent with impact from a horse’s head or legs. Emergency services treated her on the scene before transporting her to the hospital for further tests and treatment. She remains under the care of medical professionals until further notice.

Princess Anne’s husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, and her children, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, were at the estate when the incident occurred. Other senior royal family members, including King Charles, were notified of her injuries last night.

The Princess Royal rode on horseback earlier this month during the King’s Trooping the Colour ceremony. Getty Images

Princess Anne is expected to be discharged from the hospital later this week. A spokesperson for the Princess confirmed, “Her Royal Highness is recovering well, is in a comfortable condition and is being kept in hospital as a precautionary measure for further observation.”

As a result of her injuries, Princess Anne’s engagements for the rest of the week have been cancelled. She was scheduled to participate in a State Visit this week and had an official trip to Canada planned for the end of the week. Both events have been postponed.

“On doctors’ advice, Her Royal Highness’s engagements for the week ahead will be postponed. Her Royal Highness apologises to any who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result,” her spokesperson added.

The Princess Royal, 73, is said to have been injured by a horse during a stroll on the grounds of a royal residence. Getty Images

While it remains unclear if Princess Anne was riding the horse during the accident, her experience and accomplishments as a rider are well-known. She won the individual European Three-Day Event at Burghley in 1971 and represented Great Britain in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. She participated in the King’s Trooping the Colour ceremony on horseback earlier this month.

Princess Anne’s swift response and the care she is receiving underscore the seriousness with which the royal family treats such incidents, ensuring her well-being and recovery.