The Princess Royal has returned home after being treated for a minor head injury and concussion at the hospital. Princess Anne, 73, was hospitalized on Sunday
following an injury believed to have been caused by a horse at her Gloucestershire estate.
She will not resume her public duties until doctors deem it safe, with no specific timeline provided. Her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, expressed gratitude to the hospital staff for their care in a brief statement.
Princess Anne left Southmead Hospital early Friday morning without being seen publicly and has returned to her country residence at Gatcombe Park near Minchinhampton. The injury occurred on Sunday evening while she was walking on her estate with horses nearby. Due to her concussion, the exact cause of the head wound remains unclear.
According to the NHS, concussion results from a "temporary injury to the brain caused by a bump, blow, or jolt."
This incident is the latest health issue for the Royal Family, following King Charles III and the Princess of Wales' cancer diagnoses earlier this year, which have limited their public engagements. Known for her dedication, Princess Anne has continued numerous public engagements in their absence.
She was scheduled to participate in this week's state visit by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan and had other engagements in Scotland, Hampshire, and Gloucestershire. Her husband and daughter, Zara Tindall, visited her separately during her hospital stay.
"I would like to extend my warmest thanks to all the team at Southmead Hospital for their care, expertise, and kindness during my wife's short stay," Sir Tim said following her return home. Photo by International Maritime Organization, Wikimedia commons.