Princess Anne has spoken of her "deep regret" after being unable to attend a ceremony honoring Canadian war heroes due to injuries sustained from a horse accident.
The Princess Royal, 73, was hospitalized for five nights last week following an incident near her Gatcombe Park home in Gloucestershire. The accident left her with a concussion and minor head injuries, resulting in a loss of memory regarding the event.
Anne, known for her dedication and often referred to as the "hardest working royal," had to cancel nine engagements last week, including a trip to Canada. She is now recovering at home after being discharged from the hospital last Friday.
During the visit to Canada, she was scheduled to attend a ceremony marking the centenary of the Newfoundland National War Memorial and the repatriation of an unknown Newfoundland soldier's remains from the World War I battlefields of northern France. In her absence, the Governor General read a message from Anne, expressing her sadness at missing the event.
"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," the message read. "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. I send you my warmest best wishes on this special day of commemoration."
Anne, a skilled horsewoman who competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, will remain at home for rest and recuperation. Palace sources indicated she will only resume public duties when her medical team deems it safe and comfortable for her to do so.
It is unclear how long her recovery will take, but she will receive rehabilitation support at home, following standard concussion protocols. Her medical team mentioned her head injuries were consistent with a potential impact from a horse's head or legs, but the exact details of the incident remain unclear due to her concussion.
An air ambulance was dispatched to transport her to the hospital, but she eventually traveled by road after receiving on-site treatment. During her hospital stay, she was visited by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, who reassured that she was "doing fine, slow but sure" and had brought her "a few little treats from home."
Following her discharge, Sir Tim issued a statement through Buckingham Palace, expressing gratitude to the Southmead Hospital team for their care, expertise, and kindness during Anne's short stay. Photo by Carfax2, Wikimedia commons.
