Princess Anne, 74, returned to Southmead Hospital in Bristol on February 6, 2025, to thank the medical staff who treated her after a horse-related accident in June 2024. The royal had spent five days in the hospital following the incident at her Gatcombe Park estate. Buckingham Palace confirmed that she sustained minor injuries and a concussion, but she made a full recovery.
Tour of the Hospital
During her visit, Princess Anne toured several areas of the hospital. She visited the Intensive Care Unit and met with doctors and nurses. She also saw the staff choir perform in the atrium and checked out the Air Ambulance helicopter pad. The hospital, an hour away from her estate, is a regional specialist for major trauma and several other medical fields.
Reflection on the Accident
Princess Anne, known for her dedication to royal duties, had suffered memory loss after the accident. However, she returned to work in July 2024. When asked about the incident, she said, “I don’t have any idea what I was doing in the field.” She reflected on how accidents can be unpredictable and how life is fragile. “Every day is a bonus,” she said.
Similar Visit by Princess Kate
Princess Anne’s visit came after Princess Kate’s emotional return to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on January 14, 2025. Kate had previously undergone cancer treatment there and announced in January that she was in remission.
