Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, experienced a horse-related accident in June 2024 at her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire, England. The incident resulted in a concussion and minor head injuries, leading to a five-night hospitalization at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. Buckingham Palace stated that she was expected to make a full recovery and would return to public duties once her medical team approved. During her recovery, several engagements were postponed, including a planned trip to Canada and a state banquet for the Japanese Emperor.
In July 2024, Princess Anne made her first public appearance since the accident by attending the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucestershire. During this visit, she presented awards and met with winners, marking a gradual return to her royal duties.
In January 2025, during a trip to South Africa, Princess Anne addressed the accident, stating that she had no memory of the incident and emphasizing the unpredictability of life. She also ruled out retirement, expressing her intention to continue her royal duties.
Throughout her recovery, Princess Anne received support from her family, including her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, and her children, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips. Her dedication to her royal responsibilities and her resilience during this period have been widely recognized.