In a stirring display of resilience and royal tradition, Princess Anne rode on horseback today during the Trooping the Colour parade, marking her first public riding appearance since she was hospitalised last year after being seriously injured by her horse at Gatcombe Park .
Wearing the Full Mounted Ceremonial uniform of the Blues and Royals and adorned with her military aiguillettes, The Princess Royal rode in the procession alongside her brother, Prince Edward, and nephew, Prince William, while The King and Queen travelled by carriage.
Almost a year ago, Princess Anne was hospitalised for five days after suffering a concussion and head injuries in a horse-related incident at her Gloucestershire estate.
Despite the severity of her injuries, which included memory issues, she made a remarkable recovery and returned to public duties within weeks .
At Trooping on Saturday, Her Royal Highness was rode Noble – a horse previously ridden by The King at his 2023 Birthday Parade.
Although buzzy a couple of years ago when mount of King Charles, Noble was extremely well behaved today under Princess Anne
During the parade, the 74-year-old royal also had the honour of being Gold Stick-in-Waiting – a role traditionally filled by the Colonels of the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals.
Originating in the 15th century, the Gold Stick carried rods of gold and silver to protect the monarch on parade.
It is essentially the role of personal bodyguard to the monarchy, and while symbolic today, it remains an honorary position signifying close protection and high ceremonial honour.
