Truly support
independent journalism
Our mission is to provide unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds the powerful to account and exposes the truth.
Whether it's $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us in offering journalism without agenda.
Princess Anne has shared her “deep regret” at being forced to cancel a planned trip to Canada as the date for her possible return to work remains unknown.
The Princess Royal, 73, was discharged from hospital on Friday afternoon after five nights under observation after she was reportedly kicked by a horse.
Buckingham Palace announced that she had suffered a concussion and minor injuries as a result of the incident, which were consistent with an impact to the head or legs of a horse.
It happened as Anne was walking on her property in Gloucestershire on June 23 and emergency services, including a helicopter, were dispatched to the scene.
After being taken to hospital, her engagements last week were postponed and her trip to Canada, which was to commemorate the First World War, was cancelled.
Former BBC royal correspondent Michael Cole claims that Anne, who is said to be the hardest-working royal, chose not to be photographed when she was discharged from Bristol hospital.
He said recovering from a concussion is “no small feat,” a view echoed by brain and cognition expert Natalie Mackenzie, who said The Independent that symptoms can last up to two weeks.
The brain and cognition expert added: “Concussions are always potentially dangerous in terms of long-term symptoms if they become more severe.”
Mr Cole said he believed Anne would not be returning to work “in the near future”.
He said: “What is known is that the princess will not be returning to her much-desired royal duties for the foreseeable future.”
Anne's first statement since the crash was read by Canada's Governor General in Newfoundland as part of a repatriation ceremony for the remains of an unknown World War I soldier yesterday (July 1).
She said: “I deeply regret not being able 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.
“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 will not be able to join you again, and I send you my very best wishes on this special day of remembrance.”
Anne's future engagements are reportedly being reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The princess's husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Lawrence, took the opportunity to thank the NHS hospital where she was treated after her discharge.
He wrote: “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.”
Anne's role in the monarchy has been more important than ever in recent months following the family's collective health problems, which also forced King Charles to temporarily step back.
The Princess of Wales, who is hoping to attend some engagements this summer, is still on leave from full-time duties as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for an undisclosed type of cancer.
Buckingham Palace confirmed The Independent There are no new updates this morning on a possible date for Anne's return.
