Princess Anne says she can’t remember anything about horse accident as she resumes royal duties

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Princess Anne said she could “remember nothing” about the horse accident that left her hospitalized with head injuries as she unexpectedly resumed royal duties.

The Princess Royal, 73, reportedly had a bruise under her left eye but was all smiles as she took part in the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships at Hartpury University and Hartpury College on Friday afternoon, almost three weeks after she was kicked by a horse.

Wearing an olive green checked suit with matching blue gloves and a trilby, she joined her supporters in the arena before presenting around two dozen awards and meeting the winners.

Buckingham Palace said the 73-year-old’s visit to the RDA, which is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, marked a “gradual” return to duty after she suffered concussion and minor injuries in the incident on June 23.

Emergency services were dispatched to the scene of the accident at the Princess’s Gatcombe Park estate and the Princess subsequently spent five nights recovering in a hospital in Bristol.

According to the Daily MailHelena Vega Lozano, chair of RDA UK, said during Anne’s appearance in Gloucestershire on Friday: “It is a great honour for the Princess to come to the RDA, her only event since the accident.

“As soon as she got out of the car, she said, ‘I don’t remember anything.’

She added: “It is enormously motivating and inspiring to have them here.”

Anne became Patron of the RDA in 1971 before taking on the role of President in 1986.

Managing Director Michael Bishop said: “We are honoured to welcome The Princess of England to our flagship event, the RDA National Championships, as we celebrate our 55th anniversary, and we are delighted that she has chosen to join us as she returns to her royal duties.”

“As our President, the Princess holds a very special place in the hearts of the entire RDA community. She has helped us celebrate many significant milestones and has provided us with invaluable support for over five decades.”

Since the incident last month, the princess has been recovering at her home in Gatcombe Park, Gloucestershire, following standard concussion protocols.

Anne’s medical team said her head injuries were consistent with a possible impact from a horse’s head or legs, but due to the concussion, the exact details of the incident were unclear.

Since the princess is an experienced rider, it has been widely reported that her recent injuries will not prevent her from interacting with the animals.

This is not her first horse-related injury; she suffered a concussion while riding at the 1976 Olympic Games.

As a result of the incident, Anne’s upcoming appointments were postponed and she had to miss the state visit to Japan as well as a planned trip to Canada.

The palace said in a statement at the time: “The Princess Royal has suffered minor injuries and concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate last night.

“Her Royal Highness remains at Southmead Hospital in Bristol for observation as a precautionary measure and is expected to make a full and speedy recovery.”

Her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, later thanked the hospital staff for their care.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to the entire team at Southmead Hospital for their care, expertise and kindness during my wife’s short stay,” he said.

The princess, who is widely regarded as one of the hardest-working members of the royal family, has already attended over 200 appointments this year.

She was discharged from the hospital two weeks ago, on June 28th.

In a statement, the Princess expressed her disappointment at not being able to go on her planned trip to Canada to commemorate the First World War.

She said: “It is with deep regret that I cannot be with you today as you commemorate the gallant 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 being with you in 2016 when the people of this island commemorated the 99th Battle of Beaumont Hamel and I am deeply saddened that I cannot be with you again. I send you my warmest best wishes on this special day of remembrance.”