Princess Anne has expressed "deep regret" after she was unable to attend a World War I commemoration event in Canada, as she recovers from recent injuries.
The Princess Royal was due to attend the ceremony on July 1 — Canada Day — which marks the centennial of the Newfoundland National War Memorial.
The 73-year-old was forced to cancel her appearance after she spent five nights in hospital with minor injuries and a concussion.
The cause of her injury is unconfirmed but is believed to have been caused by an impact from a horse's head or legs, during an incident at her home at Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire, south-west England.
She sent her "warmest best wishes" on the "special day of commemoration", in a statement that was read out on her behalf by Canada's Governor-General Mary Simon in St John's, Newfoundland.
"It is with deep regret that I am unable to be with you today, as you commemorate the brave efforts and sacrifices of the members of the Newfoundland Regiment who went into battle on the first day of the Somme," the statement read.
The princess said she had "fond memories" of joining previous commemorations in Canada.
"I have fond memories of joining you in 2016, on the 99th occasion that the people of this Island commemorated the Battle of Beaumont Hamel," she said.
Princess Anne's husband Tim Laurence said she was "recovering well".
"We are both profoundly grateful to the medical team and hospital support staff for their expert care and to the emergency services who were all so wonderful at the scene," he said.
ABC
