Princess Anne spent five nights in hospital last month after being injured by a horse while walking on her Gatcombe Park Estate.
Princess Anne returned to royal duties at the RDA National Championships in Gloucestershire, humorously mentioning her inability to recall her past horse accident.
It marks the first time the Princess Royal has been seen since her shock horse injury on Sunday, June 23.
She was taking an evening stroll on her Gatcombe Park estate when she suffered minor head injuries, which her medical team believe were caused by the impact with either a horse’s leg or head.
Anne spent five nights in hospital before being discharged on Friday, June 28, for a further period of rest and recuperation.
While she appeared in high spirits for the event, bruising underneath her left eye was visible.
Wearing a chic grey suit, colourful scarf and blue hat, Anne was met by the association’s chairwoman Helena Vega Lozano and chief executive Michael Bishop. She then joined supporters in the arena before presenting awards and meeting winners.
She appeared delighted to return to duties as she joined in the celebrations for RDA’s 55th year, having become Patron of the RDA in November 1971, and later President in March 1986.
Ms Vega Lozano, chair of RDA UK, said: “It’s a huge honour for the princess to come to the RDA as her only event since the accident.
“As soon as she got out of the car she said: ‘I can’t remember a single thing about it.’”
Ms Vega Lozano added: “It’s hugely motivating and inspiring to have her here.”
Chief Executive of the RDA, Michael Bishop, is thrilled that Anne is able to attend today, and said: “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.
“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.”
He added: “The princess was on super form. It was lovely to see her again. She was very engaged while talking with all the volunteers and participants and there were a few quips thrown in, too. She was very switched on and recognised many of the volunteers because she had met them before.”
The RDA National Championship is the biggest equestrian event of its kind for disabled competitors held over three days at Hartpury University and College.
Competitors take part in dressage, vaulting, endurance showjumping, carriage driving, performance showing and Countryside Challenge classes.
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is a charity benefiting the lives of disabled children and adults.
RDA welcomes people with physical and learning disabilities, long-term health conditions and neurodiversity.
Activities, including riding, carriage driving and non-mounted interactions, provide therapy, fitness, skills development, and opportunities for achievement that unlock advantages and enrich lives – all supported by teams of volunteers and qualified coaches across the UK.
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Source: New York Post
