‘Secrecy as Always’: Princess Anne’s Husband Seen Visiting Her in Hospital with Big Bag, Causing Concerns

A video posted to X by ITV News Royal Editor, Chris Ship, shows Timothy arriving at Southmead Hospital in a sleek black Land Rover. The royal’s husband got out of the vehicle’s driver’s side and proceeded to make his way to the backseat to collect his black blazer.

Bag in tow, Timothy walked through the entrance doors of the hospital. Accompanying the video with an explanation of what was happening, Chris disclosed, “NEW: Princess Anne’s husband Sir Timothy Laurence has ben filmed at the main entrance of her hospital. [sic]”

Pictures shared online also show Timothy exiting the hospital after his visit. While his gesture of checking on his wife is sweet, some people couldn’t help but note the situation as peculiar. “What? A real visit? That’s not royal behavior,” commented someone on X.

Another person who believes there may be more to the story asserted, “Secrecy as always. One never knows what really goes on with them.” However, amid the speculation, came a few messages of support for the couple and well wishes for Princess Anne.

“Anne’s rock, Tim’s bringing her lunch,” praised a fan who believes the situation involved nothing more than Timothy enjoying a meal with his wife. Another supporter chimed in with, “oh no! Praying she gets well soon!”

Echoing an earlier sentiment expressed by an observer on X, someone else pondered, “I thought it was against protocol for royals to visit each other at the hospital?”

Timothy’s visit to see Princess Anne as she recovers has confused many because typically, royal family members do not do that unless the situation calls for an exception. In 2019, royal commentator Victoria Arbiter posted a lengthy message on X explaining the protocol for royal hospital visits.

Prompted by the vicious comments made by some back then about the late Queen Elizabeth II not visiting her late husband Prince Philip when he was hospitalized, Victoria wanted to add perspective. “Were the Queen to visit him the security requirements alone would be incredibly disruptive,” she started.

Victoria wrote, “Conscious of other patients undergoing treatment they don’t want to cause undue stress for them or their families. Not only are they very private when it comes to medical issues they also want to avoid further speculation.”

She also highlighted the Duke of Edinburgh’s preference for not being fussed over and his past desire for his wife to carry on as normal. She added, “Yes, they have visited on other occasions but it’s not the norm and it’s all about the regular members of the public that would be affected.”

“That to me suggests an awareness and lack of selfishness […] Every royal decision is made because it’s ‘sensible.’ Nothing more nothing less […] They’re not horrible people but rather a family whose every move is analyzed and criticized,” Victoria previously shared.

Backing up Victoria’s statements, the Daily Mail published an article in January of this year (2024) analyzing King Charles III’s visit to see Princess Catherine while she was still in the hospital because of her abdominal surgery.

Their article clarified that royals usually do not visit each other in the hospital, barring very rare occasions. They also reiterated the preference for senior members of the royal family to not draw attention to themselves or their loved ones, describing life in the monarchy as lonely sometimes.

Given the context the aforementioned information provides, Timothy visiting Princess Anne in the hospital was outside of the norm and thus led to public concern.

On the matter of the avid equestrian’s hospitalization, a news outlet reports that she has suffered memory loss after sustaining head injuries believed to have been caused by one of her horses.

The accident happened while she was out walking at Gatcombe Park, her Gloucestershire estate, on Sunday evening, June 23. Although the exact cause of her concussion has yet to be confirmed, her medical team did reveal that her head wounds matched the potential impact from a horse’s legs or head.

The princess was conscious on Monday (June 24), but she was still due to spend the night in the hospital. Additionally, the news outlet reports that her memory loss relates only to the incident and thus, it is thought to be temporary.

When the incident occurred, an air ambulance was called. However, Princess Anne was treated on the scene and transported to Southmead Hospital, the largest medical facility in the southwest with a specialist neuroscience unit.

Buckingham Palace also confirmed that Princess Anne was admitted to the hospital with the only adult major trauma center in the Severn Major Trauma Network for observation, tests, and treatment. Princess Anne is expected to be released from Southmead Hospital later this week.

When news of her hospitalization first circulated public spheres, Buckingham Palace released a statement explaining what happened and hoped that Princess Anne would swiftly recover.

Other details given include the fact that her brother and other royal family members sent their love and well wishes to her. Another fact is that she was with Timothy and her kids, Zara and Peter Philip, when the accident occurred.

After she had the accident, her husband accompanied her to the hospital. Consequently, her planned visit to Canada has been postponed to allow her to focus on healing. Princess Anne, often hailed as one of the most hardworking royals, has an impressive record of public service and numerous engagements.

Her unwavering commitment and no-nonsense approach have cemented her status as a beloved royal figure. Notably, her passion for horses led her to make history as the first Royal Family member to compete in the Olympics, participating in the 1976 Montreal Games.

Princess Anne’s charitable endeavors largely revolve around her love for horses. She supports several organizations including the Horse Trust, Riders for Health, and World Horse Welfare.

Among the charities she has long championed is the Riding for the Disabled Association, which offers riding and carriage driving opportunities to differently-abled individuals across the UK.

Despite her age, Princess Anne continues to ride horses, a practice that keeps her physically and mentally agile. She has also been known for her timeless style, as she has a practical approach to fashion, often recycling her outfits from the ’80s.

Princess Anne’s affinity for horses has long been known. She once conveyed her love for horses in a past interview. The princess stated that she believed if she were to pursue anything beyond the royal family, she would go with her passion for horses.

However, she believes in finding the right horse at the right time. The original horse she rode was bred as a polo pony, which was unconventional for events.

Initially skeptical about whether the horse would be suitable, she was pleasantly surprised when it did work out. However, she always knew it was a temporary solution, showcasing her deep understanding and connection with her equine companions.

In 1971, Princess Anne made history by becoming the first royal to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Her daughter, Zara, continued this legacy by also receiving the honor in 2006.

Despite retiring from professional equestrianism, Princess Anne continues to enjoy riding for leisure at her Gloucestershire residence. Additionally, she breeds horses and has actively participated in teaching her grandchildren how to ride in her personal paddocks.

The royal family celebrated Princess Anne’s 50 years of involvement with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) in November 2021 on social media.

A section of the Instagram tribute read, “HRH, who became Patron in 1971 and President in 1985, is a keen supporter of the charity that provides riding and carriage driving opportunities for over 25,000 children and adults.”

In honor of her 50 years of patronage, the Princess Royal Coaching Academy was established to improve educational opportunities for RDA coaches.

Born as the second child of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Princess Anne initially held the position of third in line to the throne. Today, she occupies the 17th place in the line of succession. She has been married twice, first to Captain Mark Phillips, with whom she shares two children, Peter and Zara.

The Princess’s enduring connection with horses is a testament to her dedication and passion. Despite her recent accident, she remains an inspiring figure, deeply respected for her commitment to charitable work and an unwavering sense of duty.