On February 6, 2025, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, made a heartfelt visit to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England,
where she was treated for a concussion following a horse-related accident in June 2024.
The 74-year-old royal spent five days in the hospital after the accident, which occurred at her Gatcombe Park estate.
During her visit, Anne expressed gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who helped her recover from the severe injury.
In June 2024, Princess Anne was injured when a horse struck her, causing temporary memory loss and bruising.
According to her care team, the injuries were consistent with the force of a horse’s head or legs.
As a result, Anne had to cancel a planned trip to Canada and several other royal engagements. It was nearly three weeks before she was able to resume her public duties.
During her return visit to Southmead Hospital, the Princess Royal took time to meet with hospital staff, tour various medical units, and even hear the staff choir perform in the hospital’s main atrium. She also visited the hospital’s staff garden and observed the helicopter pad used by the Air Ambulance. This was a notable moment as her nephew, Prince William, had previously worked as a helicopter pilot for the Air Ambulance in East Anglia.
While at the hospital, Princess Anne shared a candid moment with the medical team, revealing that she had little memory of the events surrounding her injury. “You’ve been filling in the blanks, which partly, from my perspective, is really useful to know what happened because I seriously don’t have any idea,” she said. “Sadly, I don’t have huge memories of being in here either.” Anne admitted that her lack of memory was a blessing in disguise, as it allowed her to carry on without lingering emotional strain. “I’m really grateful,” she added. “Whatever you did, it seemed to work… the recovery being relatively straightforward, thankfully.”
Southmead Hospital, which is approximately an hour’s drive from Gatcombe Park, is known for its specialized care in major trauma, neurosciences, stroke units, renal medicine, and other critical areas. It serves as one of the busiest hospitals in the country, with the intensive care unit admitting over 2,000 patients annually.
The Princess Royal, who is known for her commitment to royal duties, had a remarkable recovery from her injury, but it wasn’t without its challenges. In a previous interview, she explained that she could not recall what had led her to be in the field where the accident occurred. “I know where I thought I was going, and that was to go to the chickens,” she shared, emphasizing that she was not normally in that part of the estate. “No, nothing to do with horses. I don’t have any idea what I was doing in the field.”
Anne was airlifted to Southmead Hospital following the accident and was fortunate to avoid more serious brain injuries. Reflecting on her recovery, she noted that she was “jolly lucky” to have escaped with only a concussion, adding, “Take each day as it comes, they say. You are sharply reminded that every day is a bonus really.”
In an interview with The Press Association in January 2025, Princess Anne downplayed concerns about any long-term effects, joking, “As far as I know, nobody else thinks so. They haven’t been honest enough to tell me yet.” She seemed in good spirits during her visit to the hospital, reaffirming that her recovery was proceeding smoothly.
Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall, was reportedly shaken by the injury. A source told OK! Magazine that Zara was particularly concerned about her mother’s temporary memory loss. “This has been a huge wake-up call for everyone in the family, and they’re rightfully distressed,” the source noted. Royal expert Christopher Andersen commented that Anne’s injury had highlighted the heavy demands placed on the Princess Royal, particularly given her reputation as the hardest-working royal.
Throughout her career, Princess Anne has been lauded for her tireless commitment to royal duties, often participating in hundreds of engagements annually. Despite the scare caused by her injury, it’s clear that she remains as dedicated as ever to her public service. As one of the most senior members of the royal family, Anne’s visit to Southmead Hospital was a powerful gesture of appreciation for the medical professionals who helped her through a difficult time.
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