Princess Anne was among thousands enjoying a horse-riding show at Wembley Arena on Friday only months after suffering a head injury in an incident involving a horse.
The Princess Royal, 74, was at the Spanish Riding School of Vienna’s event hosted by TV presenter Nicki Chapman in London, as snowy white Lipizzaner horses, a breed beloved by the Royals, were put through their paces.
The showcase of equestrian skill featured eight riders and as many as 26 horses on the opening night, as the world’s oldest riding academy performed synchronised routines to classical Viennese music in their first visit to the UK for eight years.
Back in June the royal spent five nights in hospital after being hit by a horse while out walking on her Gatcombe Park estate in Glocestershire.
She suffered a concussion and minor injuries thought to have been caused by a kick or headbutt by the animal.
Princess Anne was treated by emergency services before spending five nights at Southmead Hospital and returning home on June 28 to continue her recuperation.
At the time, her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence said the late Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter was expected to make a full recovery.
The royal has a long relationship with the Spanish Riding School and has visited its training base in Vienna on a number of occasions.
In 1969 she was even allowed to ride their horses during a visit alongside her mother.
The celebrated classical dressage group wowed the crowd with their iconic uniforms, dazzling white deerskin saddles, gold bridles, luxurious velvet saddle pads as Anne watched onfrom the royal box, The Mirror reports.
The academy has been practising classical horsemanship in its Renaissance tradition of the High School for over four centuries, as per The Independent.
Nicki Chapman said: “Hosting the opening night of the prestigious Spanish Riding School tour, with The Princess Royal in attendance, was an absolute honour.
“It’s been eight years since the Lipizzaner horses and their incredibly talented riders last visited the UK, and sharing the magic with both The Princess Royal and the British public made the evening all the more unforgettable,” she added.
