Princess Anne’s Horse Accident More Severe Than Disclosed

Princess Anne’s horse accident last June has been described by a close friend as significantly more serious than the public has been led to believe. The incident occurred at her Gloucestershire residence, Gatcombe Park, and resulted in the Princess Royal being admitted to intensive care with a concussion. As she approaches her 75th birthday next month, the accident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life.

On the day of the accident, Anne had ventured out alone to care for her chickens when she was struck from behind by a horse. This unexpected encounter left her with severe bruising and a concussion, leading to a loss of memory regarding the event itself. In a candid interview earlier this year, Anne reflected on the incident, stating, “It just reminds you, shows you – you never quite know, something [happens] and you might not recover.” She added, “You’re jolly lucky … if you can continue to be more or less compos mentis and last summer I was very close to not being.”

A source close to the Princess recently disclosed to The Times that the aftermath of her accident was far worse than had been publicly acknowledged. They stated, “Her accident was so much worse than anyone let on and it took quite a while for her to feel herself again.” Despite the severity of her injuries, Anne returned to her royal duties just three weeks later, her bruised face concealed by makeup. This quick comeback prompted a rare personal message of support from Prince William and Princess Kate, who praised her resilience on social media.

Last month, Anne made her first public appearance on horseback since the accident during the Trooping the Colour event, celebrating King Charles’ birthday. She rode Noble, a horse that had gained a reputation for being “mischievous” after requiring her father’s assistance during the previous year’s parade. Accompanied by Prince Edward and Prince William, Anne showcased her unwavering commitment to her royal duties.

In a recent visit to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where she received treatment following the accident, Anne took the opportunity to express her gratitude to the medical staff who cared for her. She spent five nights in the intensive care unit, and during her visit, she met with paramedics and healthcare professionals who attended to her at the scene.

During her tour of the ICU, Anne spoke with Morwenna Maddock, the matron who oversaw her care. She acknowledged the importance of their meeting, stating, “You’ve been filling in the blanks, which partly, from my perspective, is really useful to know how it happened, because I seriously don’t have any idea.” She expressed profound appreciation for the care she received, saying, “I just know I was really well looked after, so thank you. But whatever you did, it seemed to work… the recovery has been relatively straightforward, thankfully.”

Reflecting on the experience, Anne noted a peculiar advantage in her memory loss, saying, “I’m also grateful in a weird sort of way that I remember nothing, because that has huge advantages – you can just carry on.” As she prepares to celebrate a milestone birthday, Princess Anne’s journey of recovery continues to inspire those around her, showcasing her resilience and dedication to her royal responsibilities.