Princess Anne makes moving return to thank intensive care staff at hospital where she was treated after accident
The Princess Royal reportedly suffered a concussion in the summer of 2024
Princess Anne made a visit to Southmead Hospital in Bristol on Thursday, where she was treated after her accident in June 2024, to personally thank the medical staff who cared for her.
The Princess Royal, 74, spent five days at the hospital last summer after sustaining a concussion and minor injuries at her Gatcombe Park estate.
At the time, Buckingham Palace described her hospitalisation as a precautionary measure.
Princess Anne returns to Southmead Hospital to ‘personally thank’ the staff
On Thursday (February 6), Princess Anne visited Southmead Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. Anne met with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff to express her gratitude.
The princess was keen to personally thank the team who cared for her and to learn more about their work in the ICU.
Anne’s visit also included a performance by the hospital staff choir in the public atrium, a tour of the Air Ambulance helicopter pad and a visit to the hospital’s staff garden.
I just know I was really well looked after, so thank you.
According to the BBC, Anne said: “You’ve been filling in the blanks which partly, from my perspective, is really useful to know what happened because I seriously don’t have any idea and, sadly, I don’t have huge memories of being in here either.
“I just know I was really well looked after, so thank you. But whatever you did, it seemed to work… the recovery being relatively straightforward, thankfully. That isn’t always true so I’m really grateful.
“I’m also grateful in a weird sort of way that I remember nothing because that has huge advantages you can just carry on.”
Princess Anne admits she ‘doesn’t remember’ accident
While exact details of the accident remain unclear, it was reported that Anne suffered a concussion and injuries from the accident.
After her hospital stay, she gradually resumed her royal duties in July 2024.
In January 2025, Anne spoke about the accident for the first time.
“I can’t remember a single thing,” she admitted.
During a trip to South Africa, she elaborated further: “I know where I thought I was going, and that was to see the chickens. Nothing to do with horses.”
However, she remains uncertain about what actually happened. “It just reminds you – you never quite know. Something [happens] and you might not recover,” Anne mused.
She reflected on her fragility following the accident: “You are sharply reminded that every day is a bonus really.”
Anne has long been referred to as one of the hardest-working royals. Even in her 70s, she regularly tops the list for most engagements in a year.
Despite her injuries, she wasted no time returning to public duties.
Princess Kate visits Royal Marsden Hospital
Princess Anne’s visit to Southmead Hospital comes just weeks after another royal made a poignant return to a hospital where she had received treatment.
On January 14, 2025, Princess Kate visited the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where she had undergone cancer treatment in 2024.
Kate was absent from public life for most of last year as she battled cancer. However, she revealed in September that she had completed chemotherapy and said in January that she was now in remission.
Much like Anne’s return to Southmead, Kate’s hospital visit was also a deeply personal moment.
The Princess of Wales, 43, met the doctors and nurses who had supported her through her health ordeal.
Read more: Anne, Princess Royal admitted Kate and William’s life as royals is more ‘difficult’
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