Princess Anne Breaks Silence After Hospitalization: ‘Deep Regret’

King Charles III’s sister, Princess Anne, has broken her silence following a five-day hospital stay last month after sustaining head injuries and a concussion during an incident at her country estate in England.

The princess, who regularly undertakes the most annual engagements out of the pool of working royals, sent a statement to a First World War memorial service in Canada on Monday after her injuries forced her to cancel a planned visit to the country.

“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,” she said, per The Telegraph, reiterating her “sadness” at not being able to travel for the ceremony.

“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,” she said. “And I send you my warmest best wishes on this special day of commemoration.”

Anne is currently recuperating at her country home of Gatcombe Park in the county of Gloucestershire, England, close to King Charles III‘s country residence of Highgrove.

Anne’s medical incident took place on June 23 and was made public via a statement from Buckingham Palace a day later.

“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,” it said. “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.”

Little information about Anne’s injuries has been made public. The incident is believed to have involved either a horse’s head or legs. Horses were in the area where the incident took place.

Anne is an experienced and decorated horsewoman. She became the first member of the British royal family to compete in the Olympic Games in 1976 in the three-day equestrian event.

While in hospital, the only update on Anne’s health was provided by her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, who told journalists she was doing “fine” and her recovery was “slow but sure.”

On June 28, after five days of medical supervision, Buckingham Palace released a second statement, detailing that the princess had been discharged and had returned home.

When Anne will return to her regular round of royal duties hasn’t been confirmed. She is understood to be taking advice from her medical team.

The princess’ injuries were the latest in a wave of medical issues to hit the monarchy so far in 2024.

Early in the year, it was announced that both King Charles and Princess Kate had received cancer diagnoses and would be out of action while receiving treatment. Additionally, Charles’ ex-sister-in-law, Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson, the Duchess of York announced her own cancer diagnosis.

Charles and Kate were back on parade on June 15 for Trooping the Colour, though both continue with treatment, and Kate issued a public statement revealing she is not considered to be “out of the woods” just yet.

Princess Anne is one of the most popular members of the royal family in Britain. According to poll data compiled by YouGov in May 2024, the princess is the third-most popular royal overall, coming behind Princess Kate and Prince William, being viewed positively by 70 percent of the nation.

James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.

Do you have a question about Charles and Camilla, William and Princess Kate, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We’d love to hear from you.