Princess Anne warned against 'setting precedent for future royal health updates'

Princess Anne
Princess Anne is regarded as the hardest-working royal
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Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 03/07/2024

- 10:23

The Princess Royal spent five nights in hospital after suffering minor injuries

Princess Anne has been warned against "setting a precedent for future royal health updates" by a PR expert.

The Princess Royal was discharged from hospital last week, where she spent five days receiving care, after being struck by a horse.


Her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, confirmed that Anne is "recovering slowly" following the accident, and went on to praise the medical staff who looked after her at Southmead Hospital.

Princess Anne, 73, suffered a concussion after suffering a blow to the head on the Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire.

Princess Anne

Anne warned against 'setting precedent for future royal health updates'

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No official photographs of the princess have been released to the public, which marks a stark difference when compared to King Charles and Princess Kate.

The King and the Princess of Wales are both currently battling cancer, and the Palace has released images and videos over the past few months to update the public on their wellbeing.

Desislava Dobreva, a branding expert, spoke exclusively to GB News to explain why Princess Anne should refrain from releasing photographs to the public.

She said: "Releasing a photo comes with some possible risks.

Gatcombe Park estate

The Gatcombe Park estate is where the fall occurred

PA

"The public and media may expect regular updates, putting pressure on Princess Anne and the Royal Family to provide ongoing information about her health status.

"It could also lead to misunderstandings.

"If she appears too frail, it might raise more concern, but if she appears too well, it might be seen as downplaying the seriousness of her condition.

"The media and public might over-analyse the photo, scrutinising her appearance for signs of frailty or strength.

Kate Middleton

Princess Kate released this official photograph after spending months out of the public eye

PA

King Charles and Queen Camilla

King Charles and Queen Camilla photographed leaving The London Clinic after the monarch's prostate operation

PA

"This can lead to speculation and potentially negative headlines if the photo is not perceived positively."

The PR expert added: "Not to mention, releasing a photo could set a precedent for future health updates of Royal Family members.

"This may limit their ability to keep personal matters private and increase expectations for transparency in other situations."

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