![Princess Anne | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/78a1bce7953935557ad2f27d82d3c2ada8d8cd2ca8cc3267d3ea94065fba8c15.jpg)
'Oh Goodness You Can See the Bruising': Princess Anne's Look in First Appearance after Hospitalization Sparks Concerns
Princess Anne's first appearance since she was hospitalized has been causing a commotion online. Eagle-eyed social media users are expressing concern over the visible injury on the princess' face after her accident.
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. It has been sparking strong reactions on social media.
![Fan comment about Princess Anne, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Facebook/9 News](https://cdn.amomama.com/7d44754673bb81e3103347eaaecd48c037aba9eeedf29b681cd0b78df4924e76.jpg)
Fan comment about Princess Anne, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Facebook/9 News
Princess Anne sported a classic ensemble that was perfect for the event's occasion. She wore an olive green two-piece, tweed suit. She paired her look with navy wool gloves, a matching hat, a colorful silk scarf, and black heel boots. The princess also carried a dark blue bag.
![Princess Anne at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucester, England on July 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/8f5bea4d7d25659a45dbfdcfce841a9b9d9eb916c512237c6bd67442f4bb4d79.jpg)
Princess Anne at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucester, England on July 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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.
![Princess Anne engaging with RDA participants and volunteers at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily](https://cdn.amomama.com/4a97b5a9987d568fb6ca38835abe6492895224be16f4460ec402a402340babe4.png)
Princess Anne engaging with RDA participants and volunteers at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily
"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. đ This year marks the 55th anniversary of the RDA!" penned the account in their caption.
![Princess Anne arriving at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily](https://cdn.amomama.com/3aad03d5a90b1b5f0cb56798bcb93aa7263e6b0dfc87901b2d06b394dc54dc40.png)
Princess Anne arriving at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily
While Princess Anne certainly looked lively 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.
![Princess Anne at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucester, England on July 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/4d574aa18e41bed286279675351ebd0ffa53678f8b23b36449d8ebb9ec2030a0.jpg)
Princess Anne at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucester, England on July 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The bruise comes from the head injury she suffered a couple of weeks ago, which led to a five-night stay in Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
Reports state that the exact circumstances of the accident remain unclear. However, 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.
![Princess Anne seen horse riding in the grounds of Windsor Castle in Windsor, England on April 22, 2006 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/9ecbdad764cafa14e996bc80cacce0c5c6a0254acaabe5d9ddc7e8b88fd38020.jpeg)
Princess Anne seen horse riding in the grounds of Windsor Castle in Windsor, England on April 22, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
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 expressed worry for her.
![Princess Anne during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/5b18ada67433e459b098d04c7b7ec22d92bcbfed9210665c8eeae9200df86313.jpg)
Princess Anne during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
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!"
![Princess Anne at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucester, England on July 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/8090cddea1b8ca5885b909b744aee86b0b0de3d2822574d6c6721e8d2cc294b3.jpg)
Princess Anne at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucester, England on July 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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."
![Princess Anne at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucester, England on July 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/e03ceacc82ea5b6a6977671121338327dc8b366fc29e607998ae7fcf02e89658.jpg)
Princess Anne at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucester, England on July 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Similarly, someone else asserted, "In my prayers our beloved Princess Royal. Get well soon." Drawing more attention to Princess Anne's appearance, an X user commented, "She actually looks ill."
![Princess Anne at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucester, England on July 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/3caa03d00a971629b846f11e7981078e1ca5a07cdb4840f547ed368182901c25.jpg)
Princess Anne at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucester, England on July 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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. â¤ď¸," praised a fan. Another gushed, "â¤ď¸ pleasure to see."
![Princess Anne at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucester, England on July 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/5b862f3bc9a0342f6eb4de947d7308f6b7ba2b9fccf7f2c602781365f51e67df.jpg)
Princess Anne at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucester, England on July 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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.
![Helena Vega Lozano and Princess Anne at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucester, England on July 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/89fbd22ec8d507256b1f77e7596f3fa52cf350020368adfcc353c3b0bca71a6a.jpg)
Helena Vega Lozano and Princess Anne at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucester, England on July 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
More details shared include the fact that the event was cut from two hours to one to account for Princess Anne's ongoing recovery. Additionally, the princess showed strength and endurance by opting to stand in many instances as opposed to taking a seat on one of the many chairs there.
![Princess Anne engaging with RDA participants and volunteers at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily](https://cdn.amomama.com/cf30f87692e86278dd272a887eaf5f8b227c98ada4cd216fa50e2b7b4c6bbd4e.png)
Princess Anne engaging with RDA participants and volunteers at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily
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.
![Princess Anne riding her horse Goodwill during the Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire, England on April 15, 1978 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/a139962a239f8bd570864c43984266869bc430566bcb325770d648544ca20ed2.jpg)
Princess Anne riding her horse Goodwill during the Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire, England on April 15, 1978 | Source: Getty Images
"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.
![Princess Anne engaging with RDA participants and volunteers at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily](https://cdn.amomama.com/d4b7a3be52efb4bd1e1b4787d337a4d574f0a54c8593f9d291aa2c0912ff54f6.png)
Princess Anne engaging with RDA participants and volunteers at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily
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. He made a statement on the same day she left the medical facility.
![Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence leaving the Thanksgiving Service for King Constantine of the Hellenes at St George's Chapel in Windsor, England on February 27, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/d77982ba1b4a386a5f979399116b3f42f334ead681ebdd64f6981b3b366c1e20.jpg)
Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence leaving the Thanksgiving Service for King Constantine of the Hellenes at St George's Chapel in Windsor, England on February 27, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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.
![Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence at Trooping The Colour in London, England on June 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/abf64146bcde4f48184547739cdeeec1e19b661eaa8800f4704a7635528061aa.jpg)
Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence at Trooping The Colour in London, England on June 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the typical discretion surrounding royal hospital visits, videos 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.
![Sir Timothy Laurence seen arriving at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England on June 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/5dffb45c935c8e96d933ea2c765ab3d98e8634d76db2694c6852a1da14b33c43.jpg)
Sir Timothy Laurence seen arriving at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England on June 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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 concussionâthought to be caused by a horse kick or headâon Sunday evening."
![Sir Timothy Laurence seen arriving at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England on June 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/3670400017ddb30ea7f3ee048b6c759c9e84be1b7eda1c83e10862a77dac168c.jpg)
Sir Timothy Laurence seen arriving at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England on June 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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, there were a few messages of support for the couple and well wishes for Princess Anne.
![Sir Timothy Laurence seen leaving Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England on June 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/1f778171be7e80d15ace40ed487d2a6c7bc05de7c56b74ed1d5a4242843e43f1.jpg)
Sir Timothy Laurence seen leaving Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England on June 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
"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.
![Sir Timothy Laurence seen leaving Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England on June 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/69b1e130ec7c81ebfa5c8d6a87f1c898cda810fa9cf0d433552c430f4671d704.jpg)
Sir Timothy Laurence seen leaving Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England on June 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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 to the public.
![The late Queen Elizabeth II at King's Lynn railway station in King's Lynn, England on December 20, 2019 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/65c414f1bd5c6ee022c9aba929d38c1f5cae4101f8880127ada5e8bd589a6bb7.jpg)
The late Queen Elizabeth II at King's Lynn railway station in King's Lynn, England on December 20, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
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 late Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II at a Easter Sunday church service in Windsor, England on April 4, 2019 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/2a314c6d78528da530ec82d55dc9a3327e62abc475a8b9c731ff85ae3a5f844e.jpg)
The late Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II at a Easter Sunday church service in Windsor, England on April 4, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
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.
![The late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip seen arriving at St George's Chapel in Windsor, England on May 18, 2019 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/9d6e2144a101deb58e294ac4e9d05d2e994ba9aa04cdf373b8274b781a5490cd.jpg)
The late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip seen arriving at St George's Chapel in Windsor, England on May 18, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
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.
![King Charles III seen on his way to visit Princess Catherine and her newborn son at St Mary's Hospital in London, England on July 23, 2013 | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/a56ce824b9f72e43f9be20c209a7f85830be100924b36fa5c2099ec368115dd5.jpg)
King Charles III seen on his way to visit Princess Catherine and her newborn son at St Mary's Hospital in London, England on July 23, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
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.
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