Princess Anne makes an emotional return to the Bristol hospital where she was treated after mystery accident

Princess Anne made an emotional return to the Bristol hospital where she was treated for concussion and minor head injuries last June after an accident at her Gloucestershire estate. The Princess Royal, 74, was believed to be walking in the grounds of her Gatcombe Park estate on June 23, 2024, when the accident occurred. It was reported at the time that the former equestrian's injuries were consistent with a potential impact from a horse's head or legs.

A smiling Anne returned to Southmead Hospital in Bristol on Thursday to thank the team of doctors, nurses and other health professionals who treated her during her five nights at the facility. The King's hard-working sister, who was forced to step back from royal duties for three weeks after the accident, was dressed in a knee-length tan coat that she accessorised with a gold brooch. She wore a  beige turtle neck knit underneath her jacket and brightened her ensemble with a patterned scarf.

Anne completed her outfit with knee-high black leather boots and a black handbag, and wore her hair in her signature brushed-back style. The royal was introduced to the chair and chief executive of the hospital upon arrival and, once inside, she met with members of the organisation's critical care team and choir. Princess Anne (pictured) smiled as she met with staff at Southmead Hospital in Bristol on Thursday, more than six months on from the accident that saw her hospitalised there for five nights.

The cheerful princess could be seen chatting to many different members of the hospital staff, all of whom appeared delighted to be in her company. Earlier this year, Princess Anne reflected on the accident, explaining that she remembered 'nothing' from that fateful June day. Speaking on January 24 at the Grand Military Cup Day at Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher, Surrey, after a whirlwind trip to South Africa, Anne revealed that she was on the way to see chickens on her estate when the accident happened.

When questioned whether the last thing she recalled was walking into a field, Anne said: 'No, I don't even remember that. 'I know where I thought I was going and that was to go to the chickens, no, nothing to do with horses.'. She added that seeing the chickens was 'my regular visit, I don't have any idea what I was doing in the field, because I never normally went that way. 'It just...shows you - you never quite know, something [happens], and you might not recover.'.

After the accident, an air ambulance and emergency services went to the Gloucestershire estate, and following medical care at the scene, the royal was transferred to Southmead Hospital in Bristol by road for tests, treatment, and observation. The Princess Royal met members of the choir at Southmead Hospital, as well as the doctors and nurses who provided treatment. She was pictured talking to members of the critical care team at the hospital.

Dressed in a tan coat, which she accessorised with a brooch and patterned scarf, Anne looked typically elegant. Anne spent five nights in hospital after the accident on June 23 and did not return to public royal duties until almost three weeks later. Asked about any lasting ill effects, she lightened the mood and joked: 'Apparently not, at least I don't think so. As far as I know, nobody else thinks so - they haven't been honest enough to tell me yet. So far so good.'.

She added: 'You are sharply reminded that every day is a bonus really.'. Interviewed after a whirlwind two-day tour of Cape Town that ended on Wednesday, Anne also discussed her future and was asked whether retirement was an option, she replied: 'It really isn't written in, no. It isn't really an option, no, I don't think so. Her father, the late Duke of Edinburgh, did retire from royal duties in 2017, but he was 96 when he took the decision and had supported Queen Elizabeth II for more than 65 years at the time.

Anne is known for her busy work schedule, and as she approaches her 75th birthday in August, the royal will continue to lead the monarchy in various engagements. During her Cape Town visit, Anne laid a wreath at a Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) memorial, the first to recognise the sacrifices of black South Africans who died working as First World War labourers to help Britain's war effort in east and south-west Africa.

She performed the task as CWGC president, a role that had been carried out by the Duke of Kent, 89, since 1970. In January, Princess Anne spoke about the suspected horse-related incident that left her hospitalised in June during the Grand Military Gold Cup Day at Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher. The royal said: 'I'm very lucky to take the Commonwealth War Graves Commission on from the Duke of Kent, but he's been doing that for a very long time, he did it very well and has covered the globe in support of them.