Wiltshire Air Ambulance was tasked after Princess Anne suffered injuries on her estate.
Emergency services rushed to The Princess Royal’s home at Gatcombe Park, near Tetbury, at around 9pm yesterday evening (Sunday, 23 June).
The National Police Air Service helicopter from Oxfordshire was also scrambled to the incident, circling the estate grounds for around 15 minutes.
Princess Anne, 73, was found to have sustained injuries and was rushed to Southmead Hospital in Bristol for treatment.
It’s believed Her Royal Highness sustained minor heads wounds and was in the presence of horses when it occurred. It’s thought she may have been kicked.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said: “The Princess Royal has sustained minor injuries and concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate yesterday evening.
“Her Royal Highness remains in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and swift recovery.
“The King has been kept closely informed and joins the whole Royal Family in sending his fondest love and well-wishes to The Princess for a speedy recovery.”
Locals ‘feared the worst’ when the incident was unfolding, and worried a criminal might be on the run.
A local man said he saw the air ambulance land at 9.15pm last night (23) and the police helicopter circled from around 9.23pm.
He added: “I saw an air ambulance landing on her estate and I thought ‘oh my goodness, I hope it’s not Anne’.
“And then the police helicopter started circling about ten minutes later and I thought the worst.
“I thought something awful must have happened and I was worried a criminal might be on the loose, but the police helicopter was off pretty quickly.
“The air ambulance was on the ground for about 40 minutes I think – I’m not sure if it took her to hospital but didn’t look like it did as it flew off the other way.
“I really hope she’s going to be okay.”
Sir Tim Laurence, her husband accompanied Her Royal Highness to hospital.
On doctors’ advice, Her Royal Highness’s engagements for the week ahead will be postponed.
A palace spokesperson said she “sends her apologies to any who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result”.
The Japanese state visit will go ahead as planned, but Princess Anne won’t attend.
