Princess Anne ‘doing fine’ in hospital after injury, husband says

The Princess Royal, who is recovering from head injuries believed to have been inflicted by a horse, is making “slow but sure” progress, her husband has said.

V Adm Sir Tim Laurence visited Anne after she spent a second night at Southmead hospital in Bristol, where she remains under observation having had a concussion.

She sustained minor head injuries on Sunday evening during an incident while she was walking on her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire.

Laurence arrived at the hospital carrying a blue cooler bag and is understood to have had lunch with his wife during the two hours he spent at the hospital.

Asked how she was as he left, he replied: “She’s doing fine, slow but sure.” Asked if he had brought anything for her, he replied: “Just a few little treats from home.”

He later added: “She is recovering well, thank you. We are both profoundly grateful to the medical team and hospital support staff for their expert care – and to the emergency services who were all so wonderful at the scene.

“We are both deeply touched by all the kind messages we have received from so many people near and far. It means a great deal.”

Little is known about the incident that led to Anne’s injury. It is understood she is unable to remember precise details due to the concussion. There were said to be horses in the vicinity of where it occurred, within the protected perimeter of her estate, and her medical team have said her injuries are consistent with a potential impact from a horse’s head or legs.

Emergency services and an air ambulance attended and Anne was treated at the scene. She was transferred to Southmead hospital by road for tests, treatment and observation.

Buckingham Palace said on Monday that the princess was “expected to make a full and swift recovery”.

Laurence as well as Anne’s children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, were at the estate at the time. Laurence accompanied her to hospital.

The princess is expected to be able to return home later this week but the incident meant her planned engagements for the week were postponed.

She had been due to visit Canada at the end of this week, but on doctors’ advice she would not travel. Consultations were being held with the Canadian government on adapting the proposed engagements.

Plans to attend a banquet on Tuesday evening for a Japanese state visit were cancelled.

The palace spokesperson said: “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.”