Locals near Princess Anne’s Gatcombe estate ‘thought the worst’ when they saw ambulance

Locals near the Gatcombe Park estate said they saw an air ambulance land followed by a police helicopter circling and “thought the worst”.

Princess Anne has been admitted to hospital after she suffered minor injuries and concussion on her estate, Buckingham Palace has said.

The Princess Royal, 73, remains in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, “as a precautionary measure for observation” after the incident at Gatcombe Park, Gloucestershire.

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.”

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson 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.”

The palace said Her Royal Highness is recovering well, is in a comfortable condition and is being kept in hospital as a precautionary measure for further observation.

She is receiving “expert” care and will stay at the hospital until her medical team advises otherwise.

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.