Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal

Members' Statements – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 10:30 am on 25 June 2024.

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Photo of Stephen Dunne Stephen Dunne DUP 10:30, 25 June 2024

I rise to wish the Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Anne, a swift and full recovery after she was admitted to hospital with a minor head injury and concussion following an unfortunate incident at her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire at the weekend. Princess Anne is a remarkable lady and has a well-earned reputation as an incredibly hard-working member of our royal family. In 2023, 'The Telegraph' reported that the princess had carried out a remarkable 457 engagements in the previous year alone. Over the years, the princess has made many visits to Northern Ireland, most recently in April this year, when she visited County Londonderry and County Fermanagh. I have had the privilege of meeting Her Royal Highness a number of times, including when she visited Bangor to unveil the city's official warrant back in 2022 and at a special event for the 80th anniversary of the sea cadets in Northern Ireland. The princess's remarkableness and dedication to service were evident to anybody in attendance.

The Princess Royal has rightly and truly followed in her mother's footsteps in a life that has been dedicated to unwavering service to our nation and Commonwealth. It is unfortunate that she has had to postpone a planned visit to Canada this week as a result of her injury. Renowned for her devotion to her family, the princess is one of the most recognisable and well-loved members of our royal family, both at home in the UK and across the world, where she is so highly respected and admired. She has led an incredible life, becoming the first member of our royal family to compete in the Olympics, back in 1976. The princess remains passionate about horses and continues to ride on many state occasions, most recently, just a number of weeks ago, at the Trooping the Colour event in London. She also devotes much of her time to supporting many good causes and charities right across the globe.

I am sure that all Members will join me in wishing Her Royal Highness a full and swift recovery and return to public duties, where she continues to be a true inspiration to us all. May we also continue to remember His Majesty The King and Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales as they continue their treatment for cancer at this time. God bless our royal family.