Princess Anne has been discharged from hospital in Bristol, where she spent five days recovering after being kicked by a horse.
The Princess Royal, 73, was injured during a walk around her Gatcombe Park estate on Sunday night and was admitted to Southmead Hospital that night.
Buckingham Palace later announced that she had been hospitalized after suffering a concussion and minor injuries from what is believed to have been a horse kick.
Her husband, Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, announced she had been discharged on Friday and thanked hospital staff for their care.
“I would like to extend my warmest 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 an experienced horsewoman, reportedly cannot remember exactly what happened, but her injuries are consistent with impact from a horse's head or legs.
The incident forced Anne to postpone her upcoming engagements this week and miss the three-day state visit of the Japanese Emperor and Empress.
Anne was also forced to cancel a trip to Canada this weekend to commemorate the centennial of the National War Memorial in St. John's, Newfoundland.
Announcing the princess's hospitalisation on Monday (June 24), Buckingham Palace wrote in a statement: “The Princess Royal has sustained minor injuries and concussion following an incident at Gatcombe Park estate yesterday afternoon.
“His Royal Highness remains in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and rapid recovery.
“The King has been kept closely informed and joins the entire Royal Family in sending their warmest love and good wishes to the Princess for a speedy recovery.”
The incident comes after a report found that Princess Anne has attended the most engagements of any member of the royal family this year.
Anne has undertaken a total of 252 engagements this year, while the Princess of Wales, who is battling cancer, has made an appearance at Trooping the Colour.
Natalie Mackenzie, brain and cognition expert, said The independent that the first 48 hours after a concussion is a crucial monitoring period, but that doctors would probably have been even more vigilant with the princess.
“Usually you're looking to monitor symptoms for about 48 hours,” he said.
“The symptoms of a concussion should resolve within two weeks, but will not require hospitalisation. But of course they will be cautious with a royal.”
Equine behaviourist Chloe Campbell said horses may kick when they “feel threatened, scared or in pain”.
Possible warning signs to look out for are “drooping ears, tense facial muscles, tail wagging, or weight changes,” he explained.
She said Palestinian Authority News Agency:“This incident is an important reminder of the importance of understanding equine behavior and ensuring the horse is in an appropriate environment.”
