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Princess Anne has said she “can't remember a single thing” about the horse accident that left her in hospital with head injuries as she made a surprise return to royal duties.
The Princess Royal, 73, reportedly had a bruise under her left eye but was all smiles as she attended the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships at Hartpury University and Hartpury College on Friday afternoon, nearly three weeks after she was kicked by a horse.
Wearing an olive-green checked suit and matching blue gloves and trilby, she joined supporters in the arena before presenting around two dozen awards and meeting winners.
Buckingham Palace said the 73-year-old’s visit to the RDA, which is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, marks a “gradual” return to duties after she sustained concussion and minor injuries in the incident on 23 June.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene on the princess’s Gatcombe Park estate and she subsequently spent five nights recovering in a Bristol hospital.
According to the Daily Mail, Helena Vega Lozano, chair of RDA UK, said during Anne’s appearance in Gloucestershire on Friday: “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.'
She added: “It's hugely motivating and inspiring to have her here.”
Anne became the RDA’s Patron back in 1971 before taking on the role of President in 1986.
Chief executive Michael Bishop 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.”
Since the incident last month, the princess has been recovering at her Gatcombe Park home in Gloucestershire and has been following standard concussion protocols.
Anne’s medical team said her head injuries were consistent with a potential impact from a horse’s head or legs but her concussion has meant precise details of how the incident came about are not clear.
As an experienced horsewoman, it has been widely reported that the princess’s recent injuries will not deter her from interacting with the animals.
This is not her first horse-related injury and she previously suffered concussion while riding in the 1976 Olympic Games.
Following the incident, Anne’s upcoming engagements were postponed and she was forced to miss the Japanese state visit and a planned trip to Canada.
The Palace said in a statement at the time: “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.”
Her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, later thanked staff at the hospital for their care.
“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,” he said.
The princess, who is widely considered to be one of the royal family’s hardest-working members, has already attended over 200 engagements this year so far.
She was released from hospital two weeks ago, on 28 June.
The princess released a statement expressing her frustration at being unable to attend her planned Canada trip, which was in commemoration of the First World War.
She said: “It is with deep regret that I am unable to be with you today, as you commemorate the brave efforts and sacrifices of the members of the Newfoundland Regiment who went into battle on the first day of the Somme.
“I have fond memories of joining you in 2016, on the 99th occasion that the people of this Island commemorated the Battle of Beaumont Hamel, and I am deeply saddened that I’m unable to join you again, and I send you my warmest best wishes on this special day of commemoration.”
