Princess Anne leaves hospital after being treated for head injuries

Princess Anne, the 73-year-old daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, was recently discharged from Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England, after receiving treatment for minor head injuries and a concussion. The injuries were believed to have been caused by an incident involving a horse on the grounds of her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire.

According to the report, Princess Anne left the hospital on Friday morning, June 28th, 2024, just five days after being admitted. While the exact details of the incident are still unclear, it is understood that the princess was unable to recall the precise circumstances due to the concussion she sustained.

The report indicates that there were horses in the vicinity of where the incident occurred, within the protected perimeter of her estate, and the medical team has stated that her injuries are consistent with a potential impact from a horse’s head or legs. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, responded to the scene and Anne was initially treated there before being transported to the hospital for further evaluation, treatment, and observation.

Buckingham Palace has stated that the princess is expected to make a full and swift recovery, but the timeline for her return to public duties remains uncertain. Her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, has expressed his gratitude to the Southmead Hospital team for their care and kindness during her brief stay. Laurence, as well as Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall, visited the princess separately while she was in the hospital.

The report also notes that King Charles, the current monarch, did not visit his sister in person but was closely informed of her progress and sent his “fondest love and well wishes” for a speedy recovery. Princess Anne had been scheduled to visit Canada at the end of the week, but was unable to attend due to her injuries. She was also unable to attend the Buckingham Palace banquet held on Tuesday for the state visit of the Japanese delegation.

As Princess Anne recovers at her Gatcombe Park estate, she will receive the necessary rehabilitation support and follow standard concussion protocols. Her return to public duties will be determined by her medical team’s recommendation, once they determine that she is both physically and mentally ready to resume her royal engagements.