Princess Anne forced to jet off to South Africa alone after husband suffers…
Princess Anne has been forced to jet off to South Africa alone after her husband suffered an injury.
Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence has remained in the UK due to a suspected torn ligament, preventing him from accompanying his wife, the Princess Royal, on her upcoming South African visit.
The former naval officer requires medical treatment in Britain, making him unable to join Princess Anne on the two-day trip to Cape Town.
Sir Timothy sustained the injury while working at the Princess Royal’s Gatcombe Park Estate.
Princess Anne will proceed with her planned visit alone, travelling by commercial flight to undertake a series of engagements in the South African city.
The injury occurred while Sir Timothy was carrying out work at Gatcombe, the Gloucestershire Estate where he resides with Princess Anne.
Due to the nature of the suspected ligament tear, he requires medical attention in the UK.
The injury has made air travel impossible for the Vice Admiral at this time, forcing him to miss the South African visit
This marks a rare separation for the couple, who frequently undertake official engagements together both in the UK and abroad.
The Princess Royal’s Cape Town visit began with an engagement at the South African Riding for the Disabled Association.
She observed riders during their sessions at the Cape Town-based organisation, which mirrors the UK charity she presides over.
Both organisations use horse riding as a therapeutic tool to enhance the well-being of children and adults with physical disabilities.
Princess Anne is expected to attend the British High Commission to view an exhibition by former England cricketer Nick Compton, grandson of celebrated batsman Denis Compton.
The Princess Royal, who last visited South Africa in 2012 during Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, travelled commercially for this official visit.
During her two-day visit, the Princess Royal will unveil the Cape Town Labour Corps Memorial as president of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The memorial honours more than 1,700 South Africans who died performing non-combat roles during World War One and have no known grave.
Princess Anne’s schedule includes a visit to the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, which preserves the legacy of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning former archbishop of Cape Town.
The princess will also make stops at the Royal Cape Yacht Club and the South African Astronomical Observatory during her stay.
These engagements form part of her first visit to South Africa since the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012.
