The Princess Royal attended the Spanish Riding School of Vienna’s performance hosted by presenter Nicki Chapman and showcasing white Lipizzaner horses, loved by the Royals
Princess Anne joined thousands of fans last night at Wembley Arena to watch a display of horse riding skill and precision weeks after she suffered an injury from a horse that left her hospitalised for five days.
The Princess Royal attended the Spanish Riding School of Vienna’s highly anticipated performance last night, hosted by presenter Nicki Chapman and showcasing the snowy white Lipizzaner horses, famously loved by the Royals.
Eight riders and up to 26 horses from the world’s oldest riding academy presented performances on the opening night, showcasing perfectly synchronised routines set to classical Viennese music.
Princess Anne, 74, spent five nights in hospital after she was hit by a horse while out walking near her home on June 23. The King’s sister suffered a concussion and minor injuries to her head when she was either kicked or headbutted by the horse, according to medics.
Emergency services were dispatched to the Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire where Princess Anne was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. She spent five nights at Southmead Hospital in Bristol recovering from concussion and head injuries that royal doctors suggested were consistent with a potential impact from a horse’s head or legs.
The Princess Royal then returned to Gatcombe Park on June 28 where her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence said she was expected to make a full recovery after continuing to recuperate at home.
Last night Princess Anne was among the delighted fans watching the riders of the Spanish Riding School, which she has supported for decades, visiting its training base in Vienna several times. She was even given the rare honour of being allowed to ride their horses in 1969 during a visit alongside Queen Elizabeth II.
Arriving in the UK adorned with dazzling white deerskin saddles, gold bridles, luxurious velvet saddle pads, and iconic uniforms, the riders delighted the crowd and the Princess Royal in their first UK visit for eight years.
TV presenter Nicki Chapman, who hosted the event, said: “Hosting the opening night of the prestigious Spanish Riding School tour, with The Princess Royal in attendance, was an absolute honour. It’s been eight years since the Lipizzaner horses and their incredibly talented riders last visited the UK, and sharing the magic with both The Princess Royal and the British public made the evening all the more unforgettable.”
