‘Oh Goodness You Can See the Bruising’: Princess Anne’s Look in First Appearance after Hospitalization Sparks Concerns

Making a gradual return to her public duties, Princess Anne was spotted visiting the National Championships at Hartpury College on July 12. The Riding for the Disabled Association’s (RDA) equestrian event marks the first appearance she has made since she was hospitalized and has been sparking strong reactions on social media.

Sporting a classic ensemble perfect for the event’s occasion, Princess Anne donned an olive green two-piece, tweed suit, featuring a long blazer and pants. She paired her look with navy wool gloves, a matching hat, a colorful silk scarf, black heel boots, and carried a dark blue bag.

Several pictures show the British senior royal making her way through the event, greeting and conversing with fellow attendees. The official Instagram account of the royal family shared a carousel of images spotlighting Princess Anne and her endeavors at the event.

Their caption highlights the fact that the princess was also in attendance at the prestigious nonprofit organization’s ceremony for a special reason.

“At the Championships, the biggest equestrian event of its kind for disabled competitors, The Princess presented awards and met some of this year’s winners. 🎉 This year marks the 55th anniversary of the RDA!” penned the account.

While Princess Anne certainly looked sprightly in the photos that were posted online, upon a closer review of some, one can easily notice the dark bruise underneath her left eye, on her left cheek.

The bruise, undoubtedly, comes from the head injury she suffered a couple of weeks ago, which led to a five-night stay in Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

Though reports stipulate that the exact circumstances of the accident remain unclear, what is known is that the princess sustained a minor head injury and concussion while taking a stroll on her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire.

She was said to have been kicked by a horse and suffered temporary memory loss as a result. People who have seen the new photos of Princess Anne at the equestrian event have flooded social media comment sections expressing worry for her.

Users immediately noticed the bruise on her face, with one writing, “Princess Anne returned to work & still had faint bruising on her face,” alongside two side-by-side pictures of the royal. In response, another pointed out, “That’s more than faint!”

Echoing the sentiment while sending well wishes the princess’ way, an admirer stated, “Oh Goodness you can see the Bruising she’s a Trooper for sure. Let’s hope the future stays good for her health.”

Similarly, someone else asserted, “In my prayers our beloved Princess Royal. Get well soon.” An X user, drawing further focus on Princess Anne’s appearance, commented, “She actually looks ill.”

However, amid the concern, some people were simply happy to see the princess back at work again and thought she looked well. “Thank God she’s healing and looking fabulous, I will add. ❤️,” praised a fan. Another gushed, “❤️ pleasure to see.”

Speaking about Princess Anne’s appearance at the event of one of her most treasured charities, the chairman of RDA, Helena Vega Lozano divulged, “It’s a huge honour for the Princess to come to the RDA as her only event since the accident.”

She then went on to reveal, “As soon as she got out of the car she said: ‘I can’t remember a single thing about it.'” Helena was referring to what Princess Anne had said at the event about her accident.

More details shared about RDA’s event include the fact that it was cut from two hours to one to account for Princess Anne’s ongoing recovery. Additionally, the princess showed tenacity by opting to stand in many instances as opposed to taking a seat on one of the many chairs there.

As a long-time associate of the RDA, having become the organization’s first patron in November 1971 and president in 1986, Princess Anne was always scheduled to attend the event.

“We’re delighted that she was able to make it. Her commitment to the RDA is really welcome and well-known,” disclosed RDA chief executive Michael Bishop.

“The princess was on super form […] She was very engaged while talking with all the volunteers and participants […] She was very switched on and recognised many of the volunteers because she had met them before,” Michael added.

An attendee named Avril Nicholl, who accepted one of the awards on behalf of an autistic rider shared how she, along with other people, were given instructions not to ask Princess Anne about her injury.

However, Avril mentioned, “I couldn’t let it go by without saying, ‘I’m so happy you could come.’ She said, ‘It is so kind of you to say that.'”

Reportedly, Princess Anne was discharged from Southmead Hospital early Friday morning, June 28, where she exited without being seen. It was also confirmed that she returned to her peaceful country home at Gatcombe Park near Minchinhampton.

Her beloved husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, who visited her during her hospital stay, spoke out about his wife’s hospitalization in a statement he made on the same day she left the medical facility.

In a short statement, Timothy expressed his gratitude to the hospital staff. “I would like to extend my warmest thanks to all the team at Southmead Hospital for their care, expertise, and kindness during my wife’s short stay,” he said.

Despite the typical discretion surrounding royal hospital visits, footage and photos of Princess Anne’s husband visiting her emerged, which sparked public interest. On June 25, the devoted husband was captured visiting Princess Anne, while she was recuperating at Southmead from June 23.

In a video shared by ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship, Timothy was seen arriving at the hospital in a sleek black Land Rover. He exited the vehicle, retrieved his black blazer from the backseat, and pulled out a sizable blue bag before shutting the car door. With a security escort nearby, Timothy walked through the hospital entrance.

Chris captioned the post, “NEW: Princess Anne’s husband Sir Timothy Laurence has been filmed at the main entrance of her hospital.” He continued, “He was visiting at lunchtime today, carrying a cool bag for his wife. The King’s sister has been in the hospital since her concussion—thought to be caused by a horse kick or head—on Sunday evening.”

Pictures shared online also showed Timothy exiting the hospital after his visit. While his gesture of checking on his wife was sweet, some people couldn’t help but note the situation as peculiar. “What? A real visit? That’s not royal behavior,” commented someone on X.

Another person who believed there may have been more to the story asserted, “Secrecy as always. One never knows what really goes on with them.” However, amid the speculation, came a few messages of support for the couple and well wishes for Princess Anne.

“Anne’s rock, Tim’s bringing her lunch,” praised a fan who believed the situation involved nothing more than Timothy enjoying a meal with his wife. Another supporter chimed in with, “oh no! Praying she gets well soon!”

Timothy’s visit to see Princess Anne during her recovery left many puzzled, as it went against the usual royal protocol. Typically, royal family members do not visit each other in the hospital unless it’s an exceptional situation.

In 2019, royal commentator Victoria Arbiter shared an insightful message on X, explaining the reasons behind this practice. Back then, Victoria’s comments were prompted by the harsh criticism directed at the late Queen Elizabeth II for not visiting her late husband, Prince Philip, while he was hospitalized.

Victoria shed light on the reasoning behind such decisions. She explained that a visit from the Queen would involve significant security measures that could be highly disruptive.

Victoria also mentioned that the royal family is very conscious of the other patients receiving treatment and does not want to cause them or their families any undue stress. Additionally, she noted that the royals are very private about medical issues and aim to avoid further speculation.

The royal commentator also highlighted Prince Philip’s preference for a fuss-free environment and his desire for the Queen to carry on as normal. She acknowledged that while the royals have visited each other in the hospital on other occasions, it is not the norm, and they were always mindful of the impact on the general public.

She concluded by emphasizing the royal family’s thoughtfulness, suggesting their actions show an awareness and lack of selfishness. Victoria stated that while every royal decision is made sensibly and without malice, they also take into account the fact that they are a family whose every move is analyzed and criticized.

Supporting Victoria’s statements, the Daily Mail published an article in January analyzing King Charles III’s visit to see Princess Catherine while she was still in the hospital recovering from abdominal surgery.

The article clarified that royals usually do not visit each other in the hospital, except on very rare occasions. They reiterated that senior members of the royal family prefer not to draw attention to themselves or their loved ones, describing life in the monarchy as sometimes lonely.