Princess Anne says she ‘can’t remember a single thing’ about horse-related head injury

The 73-year-old has stepped out in public for the first time in three weeks since being hospitalised with head injuries. See the photos.

Princess Anne can’t remember “a single thing” about the horse accident that led to a hospital stay with head injuries three weeks ago.

The 73-year-old began a “phased return” to her public duties by visiting one of her cherished charities, the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), during its annual national championships.

As the Princess arrived at the equine centre of Hartpury University in Gloucestershire, some bruising was visible on her cheek. She was dressed in an olive green tweed suit paired with a navy blue hat and gloves.

The long-planned engagement was condensed from two hours to one in light of her ongoing recovery.

“It’s a huge honour for the Princess to come to the RDA as her only event since the accident,” Helena Vega Lozano, chairman of RDA UK, said.

RDAUK Chair Helena Vega Lozano and Princess Anne during the Riding for the Disabled Association. Picture: Getty Images

“As soon as she got out of the car she said: ‘I can’t remember a single thing about it’.”

The Princess Royal, a keen horsewoman who competed in equestrian events at the 1972 Olympics, was walking on her Gloucestershire estate when the incident happened last month.

The exact circumstances of the June 23 accident remain unknown as the Princess was unable to recall what had happened and there were no witnesses.

She was rushed to hospital where she stayed there for five nights before being discharged home.

Princess Anne can’t remember “a single thing” about the horse accident that led to a hospital stay with head injuries three weeks ago. Picture: Getty Images

According to royal aides, Friday’s engagement marked the initial phase of her gradual return to full public duties, adhering to medical protocols for concussion recovery.

But despite her recent health setback, the Princess appeared at ease in the equestrian setting, joining RDA supporters in the arena, presenting awards and meeting winners.

The event holds personal significance for her, as she has been involved with the organisation since becoming its patron in November 1971 and president since 1985.

On June 24, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles’ sister sustained a concussion and minor injuries in an “incident” the day prior.

Her Royal Highness has been the Patron of the RDA since November 1971 and assumed the role of President in March 1986. Picture: Getty Images

The Princess Royal, a keen horsewoman who competed in equestrian events at the 1972 Olympics, was walking on her Gloucestershire estate when the incident happened last month.

“The Princess Royal has sustained minor injuries and concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate yesterday evening. Her Royal Highness remains in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and swift recovery,” it said in a statement at the time.

Her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, expressed gratitude to the care team at Southmead Hospital upon her discharge on June 28.

“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,” Sir Tim said.

Sir Tim and the couple’s two children, daughter Zara Tindall and son Peter Phillips, were all at the estate at the time of the accident.

Originally published as Princess Anne says she ‘can’t remember a single thing’ about horse-related head injury