The former naval officer’s injury comes seven months after the Princess Royal was also injured at their home, Gatcombe Park, last summer

The Princess Royal has started her two-day trip to South Africa solo, as her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence drops out of the visit. Anne began her visit to Cape Town alone after Sir Tim suffered a suspected torn ligament while working on her Gatcombe estate, it is understood.

Princess Anne completed her first royal tour of 2025 this week as she jetted off alone to South Africa. The Princess Royal, 74, visited for two days from January 21 to c arry out a series of engagements in the country.

The Princess Royal’s first visit in South Africa was the South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA), which has provided free equine therapy, sport and training to the most vulnerable in society for the last 52 years. Her Royal Highness previously visited the organisation 30 years ago, on 25 November 1994.

The Princess Royal is on a solo visit to South Africa and she wore a practical outfit and her iconic sunglasses on the first day

Princess Anne's husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, will not be joining her today in South Africa due to an injury.

The Princess Royal donned her favourite sunglasses for the start of a two-day trip to South Africa where she admitted to owning more ponies than she should.She walked down a line of riders sat on their ponies handing out awards and chatting to the volunteers that accompany the children whenever they are in the saddle.