Princess Anne speaks out over cancelled events after she's hospitalised following horror horse accident

Princess Anne has revealed her "deep regret" for having to miss a ceremony honouring war heroes in Canada after a horse-related incident forced her to withdraw.

The Princess Royal spent five nights in the hospital last week following an accident with a horse, leaving her with a concussion and minor head injuries.

The tenacious 73-year-old, who is often considered the "hardest working royal" due to taking on more public duties than any other member of the Royal family each year, was hit by a horse while walking near her Gatcombe Park home in Gloucestershire and has no recollection of the incident.

Anne had to cancel nine appointments last week, which included a trip to Canada, as a result of the accident, but is now recovering at home after being released from the hospital last Friday.

While in Canada, the Mirror reports she planned to attend a ceremony for the centenary of the Newfoundland National War Memorial and the repatriation of the remains of an unidentified Newfoundland soldier from the First World War battlefield in northern France..

A message expressing her disappointment at not being able to attend the event was read out by the Governor General in her absence. The Royal stated: "It is with deep regret that I am unable to be with you today, as you commemorate the brave efforts and sacrifices of the members of the Newfoundland Regiment who went into battle on the first day of the Somme.

"I have fond memories of joining you in 2016, on the 99th occasion that the people of this Island commemorated the Battle of Beaumont Hamel, and I am deeply saddened that I'm unable to join you again, and I send you my warmest best wishes on this special day of commemoration."

Anne, a deft equestrian who competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, will be recuperating at home. According to Palace sources, she will only resume her public duties when her medical team gives the green light, confirming it is safe and comfortable for her to do so.

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As of now, the duration of the princess' recovery period is unknown, but she will be availing rehabilitation support at her residence while adhering to standard concussion protocols. Anne's medical squad has revealed that her head injuries align with a potential impact from a horse-related incident, but due to her concussion, the exact details surrounding the occurrence remain vague.

An air ambulance was initially mobilised to transport the princess to the hospital, however, she eventually made the journey by road after being cared for by an emergency crew at the scene. Her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, paid her a visit whilst she was receiving treatment.

Sir Tim expressed his thankfulness to the Southmead Hospital team, stating: "I would like to extend my warmest thanks to all the team at Southmead Hospital for their care, expertise and kindness during my wife's short stay."

This statement was issued by Buckingham Palace following her private hospital discharge last Friday. He also provided an update on the princess's condition, acknowledging that she's "doing fine, slow but sure", and mentioned he cheered her up with a "few little treats from home."

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