Princess Anne in hospital suffering a concussion after being injured by a horse

Princess Anne is in hospital with minor injuries and a concussion after apparently being hit by a horse while walking around her country estate in Gloucestershire.

The Princess Royal, an Olympic-medal winning horsewoman, remains in a Bristol hospital for observation, Buckingham Palace said.

It is understood the princess was walking within the protected perimeter of the Gatcombe Park estate when an incident occurred.

She has suffered minor wounds to the head and while the exact cause of the injuries is unconfirmed, the medical team have said they are consistent with a potential impact from a horse’s head or legs.

Emergency services were despatched to the estate and, the princess received medical care at the scene.

She was transferred to Southmead Hospital in Bristol for tests, treatment and observation, and was accompanied by her husband Vice Admiral Tim Laurence.

Anne will now miss several engagements this week, including the state banquet for the Japanese State Visit on Tuesday and a visit to Canada.

Princess Anne is well known for her affinity for horses (AP)

A Palace spokesman said: “On doctors’ advice, Her Royal Highness’s engagements for the week ahead will be postponed. Her Royal Highness sends her apologies to any who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.

“The Japanese State Visit will go ahead as planned, though sadly Her Royal Highness will be unable to attend the State banquet tomorrow.”

A statement from Buckingham Palace said: “The Princess Royal has sustained minor injuries and concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate yesterday evening.

“Her Royal Highness remains in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and swift recovery.

“The King has been kept closely informed and joins the whole Royal Family in sending his fondest love and well-wishes to the princess for a speedy recovery.”

The 73-year-old was last seen in public at Royal Ascot on Thursday last week and she is expected to leave hospital before the end of the week.

Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire has been home to Princess Anne since 1976.