Princess Anne, sister of King Charles III, has spoken out following a five-day hospital stay after sustaining head injuries and a concussion during an incident at her country estate in England. The Princess Royal, known for undertaking the most annual engagements among the working royals, addressed her recent health scare and the cancellation of a planned visit to Canada in a heartfelt statement.

Công chúa Anne

“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,” Anne said, per The Telegraph. She expressed her “sadness” at not being able to attend the First World War memorial service in Canada, noting her fond memories of joining the commemoration in 2016. “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.”

Anne is currently recuperating at her country home, Gatcombe Park, in Gloucestershire, near King Charles III’s residence at Highgrove. Her medical incident occurred on June 23 and was initially made public through a Buckingham Palace statement the following day, which detailed her minor injuries and concussion. “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 statement read. “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.”

Công chúa Anne và Vua Charles III

Anne’s husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, provided a brief update during her hospital stay, reassuring the public that she was doing “fine” and that her recovery was “slow but sure.” After five days of medical supervision, Buckingham Palace announced on June 28 that the princess had been discharged and had returned home.

The timeline for Anne’s return to her royal duties remains uncertain as she takes advice from her medical team. Her recent injuries are part of a series of health issues that have affected the monarchy in 2024. Earlier this year, it was revealed that both King Charles and Princess Kate had been diagnosed with cancer and would be undergoing treatment. Additionally, Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson, the Duchess of York, announced her own cancer diagnosis.

Despite these challenges, Princess Anne continues to be one of the most popular members of the British royal family. According to a YouGov poll conducted in May 2024, she is the third-most popular royal overall, following Princess Kate and Prince William, with a 70 percent positive approval rating from the nation.

Princess Anne’s dedication to her duties and her resilience in the face of health challenges continue to endear her to the public, reaffirming her status as a cherished figure in the royal family.