Princess Anne ‘can’t remember’ being injured by horse as doting husband Tim brings her lunch in hospital
PRINCESS Anne’s doting husband has brought her lunch in hospital – after it was revealed she “can’t remember” being injured by a horse.
The Princess Royal was rushed to urgent care on Sunday evening following an incident with a “horse’s head or legs” on the Gatcombe Park estate.
The 73-year-old’s husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence was on the grounds with Anne when the accident happened.
He has today arrived at Southmead Hospital in Bristol to visit the Princess.
Sir Timothy waved to Royal well-wishers as he made his way up the entrance steps after arriving by car at the hospital’s main entrance.
Anne is understood to have suffered memory loss after sustaining the head injury.
She was conscious on Monday and the struggle to remember is only thought to be temporary.
The former Olympian is expected to remain in hospital for the remainder of this week and is expected to make a full recovery, Buckingham Palace has said.
An Air Ambulance was deployed to the Princess’ estate but was not needed after treatment at the scene.
She has had to cancel her upcoming engagements – including a trip to Canada for a planned tour and the State Banquet today.
Buckingham Palace said: “Her Royal Highness is receiving appropriate expert care. No further details are being shared at this stage.
“Her Royal Highness will remain in Southmead Hospital unless or until her medical team advise otherwise.
“On doctors’ advice, Her Royal Highness’s engagements for the week ahead will be postponed.
“Her Royal Highness sends her apologies to any who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.
She will be dying to return to work and will find [being in hospital] tremendously frustrating
Richard Fitzwilliams
“The Japanese State Visit will go ahead as planned, though sadly Her Royal Highness will be unable to attend the State banquet.”
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun Anne will listen to medics’ advice and take time off from her duties – but will be itching to return.
He said: “I think that obviously, and given the fact that she is nearly 74, there clearly will be a period that she will need to rest and recuperate.
“But Princess Anne is made of extremely stern stuff, very reminiscent of her father, Prince Philip, because, I mean he was regarded as even the most impatient patient, and I suspect that she will be too.
“She will be dying to return to work and will find [being in hospital] tremendously frustrating.
“She is invaluable to the Royal Family and is someone respected for her work ethic.
“As far as Princess Anne is concerned, it’s [all about] dedication, devotion to duty, and it is very much the ethic which she has inherited from her parents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
“There will be a period where obviously she will be encouraged to take it easy, but equally duty calls, and she will be there.”
The former Olympian is expected to make a full recovery and to return home later this week.
All the events Princess Anne will miss this week
Tuesday
- Thirtieth Commonwealth Agricultural Conference at Gogarburn Conference Centre, Royal Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh.
- State Banquet for the Japanese State Visit
Wednesday
- Thirtieth Commonwealth Agricultural Conference Dinner at The Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston, Newbridge, Edinburgh.
- Opening of Warsash Sailing Club’s Renovated Clubhouse at Shore House, Shore Road, Warsash, Southampton, Hampshire.
- Visit to the Community Sailing Programme on the occasion of its Fortieth Anniversary at Bath Road, Lymington, Hampshire.
Thursday
- Visit to the Hospice at Randolph Hill, Fankerton, Denny, Stirling and Falkirk.
- Thirtieth Commonwealth Agricultural Conference and AGM at Royal Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh.
Friday
- Fiftieth Anniversary Charity Polo Day at Cirencester Park Polo Club, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Saturday-Monday
- Visit to Canada