Princess Anne makes her first surprise appearance since her injury from a horse

12 July 2024 , 14:43

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The senior royal is making a ‘gradual return’ to her duties (Picture: Getty Images Europe)

Princess Anne, the younger sister of King Charles, has been pictured for the first time since suffering a concussion from a horse injury.

Anne, 73, made a surprise visit to the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships at Hartpury University and Hartpury College this afternoon.

Palace officials confirmed the princess is making a ‘gradual return’ to Royal duties, having cancelled her engagements while in hospital.

On arrival, the senior royal was met by RDA chairwoman Helena Vega Lozano and chief executive Michael Bishop.

Bishop said: ‘We are honoured to welcome the Princess Royal to our flagship event the RDA National Championships, at which we are celebrating our 55th anniversary and delighted that she has chosen to join us as she returns to royal duties. 

Princess Anne at Hartpury University and Hartpury College (Picture: Getty Images Europe)

‘As our president, the princess holds a very special place in the hearts of the entire RDA community and has helped us celebrate many significant milestones and provided invaluable support for over five decades.’

The royal was taken to hospital last month after the incident at her country residence, Gatcombe Park, just northeast of Bristol.

She was discharged from Southmead Hospital after five days. Palace officials said she would make a ‘full and swift’ recovery.

Princess Anne’s husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence said: ‘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.’

Buckingham Palace said Anne would return to her public duties at the recommendation of her doctors, though gave no clear timelines.

Sophia Martinez