Princess Anne says she has ‘no recollection’ of the horse accident that left her with a head injury almost three weeks ago, as she returns to royal duties with a bruise under her left eye at an equestrian event in Gloucestershire

The princess said she could remember “absolutely nothing” about the incident in which she suffered head injuries almost three weeks ago.

Princess Anne, 73, who suffered a bruise under her left eye, spoke as she returned to work to attend the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) national championships at Hartpury University and Hartpury College.

It is part of a gradual return to her royal duties after she was taken to hospital on June 23 with minor head injuries and concussion after going for a walk on her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire.

Her doctors believe her injuries were caused by being hit by a horse.

The Princess Royal said she has “no recollection” of the incident in which she suffered a head injury nearly three weeks ago

Princess Anne, 73, who suffered a bruise under her left eye, spoke as she returned to work with a visit to the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) national championships at Hartpury University and Hartpury College

It is part of a gradual return to royal duties since she was taken to hospital on June 23 with minor head injuries and concussion after walking around her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire.

Helena Vega Lozano, Chair of RDA UK, said: “It is a great honour for the Princess to come to the RDA, her only event since the accident.

‘As soon as she got out of the car she said, ‘I don’t remember anything.’

Ms Vega Lozano added: ‘It’s extremely motivating and inspiring to have her here.’

Today the Princess Royal arrived at Hartpury University’s Equestrian Centre with her lady-in-waiting Dolly Maude.

Wearing an olive green tweed suit and a navy hat and gloves, she greeted RDA officials before walking into a large indoor arena to present 23 awards to the charity’s coaches and volunteers.

Chairs were available for the officials, but the Princess chose to stand as she spoke to the award winners who came forward to receive their certificates.

The Princess, who became patron of the RDA in 1971 and chair in 1986, spent much of her time chatting with the guests.

She joined a panel to congratulate RDA members at Friday’s event

A 2023 poll found Princess Anne to be the most popular member of the royal family

The Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire where the incident took place (file image)

She had always planned to attend the event, the first day of the three-day National Championships for the RDA, but the engagement was ‘cut short’ to accommodate the princess as she continues her recovery.

Instead of a two-hour visit, which would have included a tour of the area, including an open-air school where carriage rides could be held, the visit was limited to a visit lasting just under an hour.

Michael Bishop, Chief Executive of the RDA, said: ‘We are delighted that she was able to join us. Her commitment to the RDA is truly welcome and well known.’

He added: ‘The Princess was in super form. It was lovely to see her again. She was very engaged talking to all the volunteers and participants and there were a few jokes too. She was very alert and recognised many of the volunteers as she had met them before.’

Avril Nicholl, 83, from County Antrim, Northern Ireland, of the Ballyclare Group, accepted an award on behalf of a young autistic rider.

She spent five days in hospital after her accident before returning home. She is pictured today making her first public appearance since her injury

The visit comes after the Princess Royal was rushed to hospital after suffering a minor head injury at her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire. She is pictured riding a horse during Trooping the Colour at Horse Guards Parade in London on June 15, before her accident

She said: ‘We were told not to ask her about it, but I couldn’t help but say, ‘I’m so glad you could come.’ She said, ‘That’s so nice of you to say that.’

The Princess returned to Gatcombe Park two weeks ago after receiving treatment at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

Her visit to the RDA is part of a gradual recovery in public life.

While details of the incident are still unclear, doctors believe her injuries are consistent with those sustained from being hit in the head or legs by a horse.