Princess Anne breaks silence after hospitalization: ‘Deep regrets’

King Charles III’s sister Princess Anne has broken her silence following a five-day hospital stay last month after suffering head injuries and concussion in an incident at her country estate in England.

The princess, who regularly undertakes the most annual engagements of any working royal, sent a statement to a First World War memorial service in Canada on Monday after her injuries forced her to cancel a planned visit to the country.

“It is with deep regret that I cannot be with you today as you commemorate the courageous efforts and sacrifices of the members of the Newfoundland Regiment who went into battle on the first day of the Somme,” she said, according to a news release. The telegraphreiterating his “sadness” at not being able to travel for the ceremony.

“I have fond memories of being with you in 2016, at the 99th commemoration of the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel by the people of this island, and I am deeply saddened that I will not be able to join you again,” she said. “And I extend to you my warmest wishes on this special day of remembrance.”

Anne is currently convalescing at her country home at Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire, England, close to King Charles III’s country residence at Highgrove.

Anne’s medical incident took place on June 23 and was made public via a statement from Buckingham Palace a day later.

“The Princess Royal suffered minor injuries and concussion following an incident in Gatcombe Park last night. Her Royal Highness remains at Southmead Hospital in Bristol as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and speedy recovery,” he said. “The King has been kept informed of the situation and joins the entire Royal Family in sending their sincere wishes for the Princess’s recovery.”

Little information has been made public about Anne’s injuries. It is believed that the incident involved either the head or legs of a horse. Horses were in the area where the incident took place.

Anne is an experienced and decorated equestrian. She became the first member of the British royal family to compete in the 1976 Olympics in the three-day equestrian event.

During her stay in hospital, the only update on Anne’s health was provided by her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, who told reporters that she was “well” and that her recovery was “slow but sure”.

On June 28, after five days of medical monitoring, Buckingham Palace issued a second statement, saying the princess had been released and returned home.

It has not been confirmed when Anne will resume her regular royal duties. She is said to be following the advice of her medical team.

The princess’s injuries are the latest in a wave of medical problems that have hit the monarchy so far in 2024.

Earlier this year, it was announced that King Charles and Princess Kate had both been diagnosed with cancer and would be out of action while undergoing treatment. Additionally, Charles’ former sister-in-law, Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson, the Duchess of York, also announced her cancer diagnosis.

Charles and Kate returned to parade on June 15 for Trooping the Colour, although both are continuing their treatment, and Kate released a public statement revealing she was not yet considered “out of the woods.”

Princess Anne is one of the most popular members of the British royal family. According to data from a poll compiled by YouGov in May 2024, the princess is the third most popular member of the royal family, behind Princess Kate and Prince William, being viewed positively by 70% of the nation.

James Crawford-Smith is NewsweekThe royal reporter for , based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on NewsweekThe Royals Facebook page.

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