Princess Anne to return to royal tradition in first public appearance on a horse since suffering head injury




Princess Anne will mount her horse this weekend for Trooping the Colour, marking a significant return to public riding nearly twelve months after suffering head injuries during an incident with a horse.The 74-year-old royal is set to participate in Saturday’s King’s Birthday Parade in her ceremonial role as Gold Stick, Colonel of the Blues and Royals.Her appearance on horseback represents a remarkable recovery following last June’s incident at her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire, which left her hospitalised for five days with concussion and head injuries consistent with being struck by a horse.The Princess typically rides during the annual ceremony, and her participation this year signals her determination to resume this tradition.Princess Anne will mount her horse this weekend for Trooping the Colour, marking a significant return to public riding nearly twelve months after suffering head injuries during an incident with a horse.GettyThe Princess Royal spent five days in Southmead Hospital in Bristol following the accident, which occurred whilst she was walking within the grounds of her estate.Speaking after the incident, Anne candidly admitted she could not “remember a single thing” about what happened.Despite suffering what medical professionals described as a mild concussion and minor head injuries, the Princess demonstrated her characteristic resilience by returning to public duties just three weeks later, still sporting a black eye.The Princess Royal spent five days in Southmead Hospital in Bristol following the accident, which occurred whilst she was walking within the grounds of her estate.GettyWithin weeks of her recovery, Anne was fulfilling her royal obligations and travelled to Paris to support Team GB at the 2024 Olympics, underlining her reputation for unwavering commitment to duty.Her swift return to work exemplified the no-nonsense approach that has defined her five decades of public service.The Princess Royal’s equestrian expertise spans decades, beginning with her historic participation in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, where she became the first British royal to compete in the Games as a three-day eventer.Anne maintains extensive involvement with equestrian organisations, serving as patron or president of several charities including Riders for Health, The Horse Trust and World Horse Welfare.GettyHer passion for horses has been passed to the next generation, with daughter Zara Tindall securing a silver medal in eventing at the London 2012 Olympics.Beyond competition, Anne maintains extensive involvement with equestrian organisations, serving as patron or president of several charities including Riders for Health, The Horse Trust and World Horse Welfare.Her dedication to public service began early, undertaking her first official engagement in 1969 aged just 18, and assuming the presidency of Save the Children a year later, an association that continues today.