Princess Anne is ‘recovering slowly’ after horse-related head injury, husband says
Princess Anne’s husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, is speaking out following the news of a horse-related accident. The daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip has been recovering at the Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England, since suffering a head injury on June 23.
As Sir Timothy, 69, departed the medical facility on Wednesday morning, press asked, “How’s your wife, Sir? Is she doing well?” according to a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by ITV’s Chris Ship.
“Recovering slowly, thank you,” he replied as he walked toward a car.
“Do you expect her out today, Sir?” another inquired, to which Sir Timothy responded: “She’ll be out when she’s ready.”
Sir Timothy offered similar comments regarding Princess Anne’s recovery following an earlier visit to his wife on June 25, according to another video shared by Ship.
“She’s doing fine,” Sir Timothy remarked on Tuesday. “Slow but sure.”
When asked if he’s taken anything from home to bring the princess royal, 73, he revealed, “Just a few little treats from home.”
The retired Royal Navy officer told a well-wisher “she is recovering well, thank you,” according to Reuters.
“We are both profoundly grateful to the medical team and hospital support staff for their expert care — and to the emergency services who were all so wonderful at the scene,” Sir Timothy expressed at the time. “We are both deeply touched by all the kind messages we have received from so many people near and far. It means a great deal.”
Princess Anne’s accident occurred during an evening stroll on the grounds of Gatcombe Park estate. Along with her husband, their daughter Zara Tindall and son Peter Phillips were all at the estate at the time.
Other senior members of the royal family were notified of Anne’s injuries on Sunday night.
Emergency services treated Princess Anne on the scene before transporting her to Southmead Hospital. She’s being kept in the hospital “as a precautionary measure for further observation,” her spokesperson said in a statement on June 24.
“On doctors’ advice, Her Royal Highness’s engagements for the week ahead will be postponed,” added the spokesperson. “Her Royal Highness sends her apologies to any who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”
The princess postponed engagements amid her health setback, including a state banquet at Buckingham Palace with the Emperor and Empress of Japan and a visit to Canada.
Per the Telegraph, Princess Anne is reportedly dealing with temporary memory loss due to the incident. In 1976, she previously suffered a concussion when she fell from a horse at the Olympic Games in Montreal during a three-day equestrian event.
She has since described her memory as “almost nonexistent for that day.”
More recently, Princess Anne went viral when she handled an unruly horse like a pro during Trooping the Colour on June 15.
The hospitalization of Princess Anne adds to recent health challenges within the royal family, as King Charles and the Princess of Wales continue to receive treatment for their respective cancer diagnoses.
King Charles, 75, resumed royal duties in late April, while Kate Middleton, 42, continues to maintain a low profile.
Palace aides emphasized that Middleton’s recent appearance at Trooping the Colour didn’t indicate a return to public royal duties, but that she will “pick up right where she left off” when she does return. She continues to prioritize her health privately.
Princess Anne is regularly described as the “hardest-working royal” based on her official engagements recorded in the Court Circular. In 2023, she attended 457 engagements alone.
