The Princess Royal is “doing fine”, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, her husband, said after visiting her in hospital, describing her recovery from a head injury as “slow but sure”. Sir Tim, 69, arrived at Southmead Hospital in Bristol carrying a large blue cool bag that he said contained “just a few little treats from home”. He a two-hour visit he offered a brief update on his wife’s condition before heading home.
The retired Navy officer, who enjoys a low profile, accompanied Princess Anne, 73, on the 50km journey from their Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire to hospital on Sunday evening. The princess was transferred by ambulance after sustaining head injuries and concussion, having apparently been struck by a horse. It is thought that due to the concussion, she is suffering from temporary memory loss in relation to the incident, meaning that the specific details about what happened have not yet been ascertained.
There were no apparent witnesses to the accident. However, her medical team said her injuries were consistent with potential impact from a horse’s head or legs. Palace sources said she was awake on Monday.
Anne, a former Olympian equestrian, was walking on her estate when the incident occurred. An air ambulance was scrambled but after being treated at the scene, the Princess was taken to hospital by road. Local residents also saw a police helicopter circling.
No one else is believed to have been involved. Southmead is the largest hospital in the.
