Princess Anne’s close proximity to Zara Tindall made her head injury recovery “easier”, according to an equestrian.
The Princess Royal surprised fans when she returned to official duties on Friday, June 12, after nearly three weeks of rest following a sudden injury.
On June 23, Princess Anne was hospitalised at Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure.
It is understood the 73-year-old was kicked in the head by a horse, leaving Princess Anne with a concussion and losing her memory.
Zara, the Princess Royal’s daughter, was photographed visiting Anne in hospital during her five-night stay.
The mother-of-three later stepped out at Wimbledon alongside her husband, Mike Tindall.
Rhea Freeman, an equestrian who has met both the Princess Royal and Zara, spoke exclusively to GB News to explain how the mother and daughter duo approached Anne’s recovery process.
She said: “Zara is carrying on as ‘business as usual’. It was very sad to hear about Princess Anne’s accident.
Princess Anne returned to royal duties on Friday, July 12
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“But as both the princess and Zara are equestrians through and through, they will understand the potential risks of working with horses.
“As with any mother and daughter relationship, I am sure that Zara was concerned (because who wouldn’t be if their mother had been in hospital following an accident).
“But as they both live on the same estate, it likely made it easier to support Princess Anne as needed.”
Princess Anne lives on the Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire with her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence.
Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall stepped out at Wimbledon earlier this week
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Princess Anne appeared in good spirits as she returned to royal duties
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Her children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, also live on the same estate, albeit in different houses.
GB News understands that Peter, Zara and Sir Timothy were on the estate at the time of the accident.
Freeman continued: “The equestrian industry is incredibly close-knit and Zara likely had plenty of support from her fellow riders at events and when training.
“Princess Anne attends many of the events that Zara competes at, so there was likely concern and good wishes from riders too.”