Princess Anne's condition may be "worse than concussion" as she continues to recover in Bristol's Southmead Hospital, it has been claimed.
The Princess Royal suffered "minor injuries and concussion" on Sunday evening following a horse-related incident at her estate.
After visiting the royal in hospital this week, her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence has revealed it will "take her a long time to recover" from her injuries.
Speaking to GB News, Former Royal Editor Duncan Larcombe feared her condition may be "worse" than first thought, and could be more serious than a "concussion".
Princess Anne remains in hospital in Bristol after suffering a horse-related injury on Sunday evening
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Detailing the latest on Princess Anne's health, Larcombe told GB News: "It certainly suggests that perhaps whatever had happened to her, it's worse than concussion, because I don't think you'd be kept that long in hospital for a simple concussion.
"It's more bad health news for a family that, as we know this year, has had a bit of a horrific start."
Noting the cause of Princess Anne's injuries, which are suggested to be "consistent with a kick or head-butt from a horse", Larcombe admitted he was "surprised" the royal suffered such an incident due to her experience with horses.
Larcombe told hosts Ellie and Stephen: "When you know horses that well, you know where you stand, you know which horses are which and their different temperaments.
Princess Anne's husband Sir Tim Laurence and daughter Zara Tindall have been to visit her in hospital
PA
"So it's certainly a bit of a surprise that she would suffer from being kicked by a horse, if indeed that's what happened."
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As the Princess continues to remain in hospital in Bristol, the former Royal Editor highlighted the potential "strain" on the Royal Family as their "hardest working royal" has had to cancel and postpone several engagements.
He explained: "Princess Anne is the hardest working royal almost every single year. So for her to be taken away from royal duties, even if it's just temporary, is more strain on the rest of the royals.
"Particularly with Catherine out of action and King Charles reducing what he's doing because of his cancer treatment."
Larcombe also claimed that the Princess Royal will "hate all the fuss" around her and the attention the incident has brought to her.
Duncan Larcombe says Princess Anne may have suffered injuries 'worse than concussion'
GB News
Larcombe concluded: "Princess Anne is the kind of never complain, never explain type, just like her mother's mould.
"She's very hardworking, and a lot of the work she does goes unreported. She just sort of gets on and grinds it out."
Sir Tim Laurence has said he and the Princess Royal were "both deeply touched by all the kind messages" they'd received in recent days.
Sir Tim claimed the princess was "doing fine, slow but sure" and was seen carrying a cool bag which contained a "few little treats from home".