Princess Michael of Kent has broken both wrists in a fall at Kensington Palace, adding to a challenging year for the 79-year-old royal.
Marie Christine, who lives at Kensington Palace with her husband Prince Michael of Kent, attended King Charles's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace on Thursday with her wrists in splints.
The accident comes as she continues to recover from heart surgery undergone last year.
The princess, who is married to the late Queen Elizabeth II's first cousin, sustained the injuries after falling down stairs at her residence.
Princess Michael of Kent breaks both wrists after fall at Kensington Palace
Getty
She was carrying an armful of overcoats when the accident occurred, with the fall cushioned by the coats. However, she broke multiple small bones when putting her hands out to break her fall.
"So many things that you rely on being able to do, like cleaning your teeth, are impossible," the princess told Majesty Magazine.
She explained that she can only type with one finger on a mobile phone and cannot use a laptop.
"I am told that, after an accident like this, if you do one wrong movement on top of the unhealed bones, you are back where you started," she added.
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent arriving at Buckingham Palace for the pre-Christmas lunch
PA
Princess Michael revealed she underwent heart surgery a year ago, an experience that left her shocked.
"It shocked me," she continued to tell the publication. "I still have to rest every afternoon."
The princess continues to manage her recovery from the procedure. The combination of her recent fall and ongoing recuperation from heart surgery has presented significant challenges for the royal.
The tragic events of this year have been particularly difficult for Princess Michael, following the death of her son-in-law Thomas Kingston in February.
Princess Michael and Prince Michael of Kent attending King Constantine's memorial service earlier this year
GettyLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Thomas Kingston, the husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor, died in February at the age of 45
PAKingston, who was married to her daughter Lady Gabriella Windsor, was found dead at his parents' Cotswolds home at the age of 45 earlier this year.
"Tom was a lovely man, so kind and so thoughtful," Princess Michael said. "They were very happy together."
Speaking of the tragedy, she revealed there had been no warning signs. "We often had them here with Freddie and Sophie and the girls for Sunday lunch. We never had any inkling anything was wrong."
Lady Gabriella told an inquest earlier this month that her husband's death was an "impulsive" decision linked to prescribed medications.
The princess's comments about family gatherings offer a glimpse into their close-knit relationships, particularly with her son Lord Frederick Windsor and his family.
