HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNE

Fans praise The Princess Royal as she displays her joie de vivre at the Paris Olympics ahead of her special day

- SARAH MORTON

When Princess Anne presented the gold medal to Britain’s equestrian team at the Paris Olympics, it marked a welcome return to the global stage for the much-loved royal.

Having eased herself back into her duties following a horse-riding accident in June, The Princess Royal, who is a longtime member of the International Olympic Committee, looked healthy and relaxed as she proudly handed out the top honours to Team GB. And as she prepares to celebrate her 74th birthday this week, Anne shows no sign of slowing down, much to the delight of fans.

Viewers tuning in at home were thrilled to see her at the Games, a competition she herself has competed in as an equestrian, back in 1976. “Nice to see her back and on full form,” said one. Another added, “Great to you see Princess Anne, God bless you.”

Anne’s return to work comes after she suffered injuries from reportedly being struck by a horse at her country home on 23 June.

Buckingham Palace released a statement at the time explaining, “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 Palace also confirmed that King Charles had 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”.

According to reports, Anne was at home with her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, while her children, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, were also on the estate. She was accompanied to the hospital by Sir Timothy with injuries said to be consistent with impact from a horse’s legs or head.

But Anne, in typical no-nonsense style, brushed off any trauma, simply saying of the accident, “I can’t remember a single thing about it,” as she got back to work last month.