Princess Anne was forced to pull out of public duties including the Japanese State Visit and a planned trip to Canada after she suffered head injuries in an incident at Gatcombe Park last month. But today the 73-year-old “stalwart” sister of King Charles was back to work as she carried out an engagement for a charity close to her heart.
The Princess Royal attended the Riding for the Disabled Association’s national championships in Gloucestershire today in a visit that was described by Buckingham Palace as a “gradual return to royal duties.” Looking upbeat and smart, Anne arrived at the event just before 2 p.m. local time wearing a grey suit, navy hat and gloves and with her handbag tucked under her arm.
“We are honoured to welcome The Princess Royal to our flagship event the RDA National Championships, at which we are celebrating our 55th anniversary and delighted that she has chosen to join us as she returns to Royal duties,” Chief executive of the RDA Michael Bishop said in a statement. “As our President, The Princess holds a very special place in the hearts of the entire RDA community and has helped us celebrate many significant milestones and provided invaluable support for over five decades.”
Princess Anne spent five nights in Southmead Hospital, Bristol after suffering from concussion and minor head injuries following an incident on the evening of June 23. It is thought she was hurt by a horse while walking in her Gatcombe Park estate; however, she appears not to remember what happened. A royal source said the following day that medics decided her injuries were consistent with impact from a horse’s head or legs.
The Princess Royal keeps horses at her estate having been a keen equestrian all her life. She won the European three-day eventing championships in 1971 and became the first British royal to compete in the Olympic Games in Montreal in 1976.
The Riding for the Disabled Association is one of the first organizations that Anne became involved with when she left school and went straight into royal duties. She became Patron in 1971, the year she turned 21, and became president in 1986. The charity organizes recreational and competitive riding activities for children and adults with disabilities. Some British competitors in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games have previously competed in the RDA national championships.
Anne, who will be 74 next month, is often hailed as one of the hardest-working royals. She carries out around 500 engagements every year. An area where she has had a significant impact is as President and Patron of Save the Children, which was the first charity she became involved with in 1970.
Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures, released in 2021.
