Princess Anne, the sister of King Charles III, was hospitalized on Monday with “minor injuries and a concussion” after reportedly being hurt by a horse. The incident occurred late Sunday at Anne’s country residence, Gatcombe Park, in southwest England, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace.
This marks the most recent health concern for the British royal family this year, following cancer diagnoses for both Charles and his daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales.
“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 statement added.
“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.”
The 73-year-old royal, an avid equestrian who competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, will stay in the hospital “until advised otherwise by her medical team.”
While the palace did not disclose specific details about the incident, sources from the princess’s medical team indicated her head injuries were consistent with impact from a horse’s head or legs.
Anne’s husband, Tim Laurence, was at Gatcombe Park when the accident occurred and accompanied her to the hospital, according to the palace.
Her daughter, Zara Tindall, and son, Peter Phillips, were also present on the estate at the time. Gatcombe Park is renowned for hosting the annual Festival of British Eventing, which attracts top equestrian stars from around the world.
Since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and the relocation of Prince Harry and Meghan to the United States, Princess Anne is one of the few remaining working royals. She has taken on additional engagements as Charles and Kate undergo treatment, and was recently seen at events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in northern France.
However, Buckingham Palace announced that her schedule for the upcoming week will be postponed, including her planned attendance at Tuesday’s state banquet for the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
She was also scheduled to visit Canada.
The king has made a limited return to public duties and will host the Japanese royals when their state visit starts on Tuesday.
Earlier this month, Catherine cautiously returned to public life, attending a military parade in London to mark the king’s official birthday. All eyes will be on Tuesday’s banquet to see if she attends.
