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Princess Anne reveals memory loss from Olympic concussion

Jun 10, 2026, 5:56 PM10
(Update: Jun 10, 2026, 5:56 PM)
daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Princess Anne reveals memory loss from Olympic concussion

  • Princess Anne shared her experience of memory loss due to a concussion sustained during the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
  • The injury occurred when her horse became stuck in mud, leading to a fall during the cross-country event.
  • She humorously noted that her remounting was not entirely her decision, highlighting the lasting impact of the concussion.
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In Canada, Princess Anne, the daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, recently shared her experience of memory loss resulting from a concussion she suffered during the 1976 Montreal Olympics. At a reception marking the 50th anniversary of the Games, she spoke to around 150 guests, many of whom were fellow athletes from that historic event. During her speech, she candidly admitted that she has no recollection of the cross-country portion of her equestrian competition, which was a significant moment in her life as she was the first member of the Royal Family to compete in the Olympics. The incident that led to her concussion occurred when her horse, Goodwill, became stuck in mud during a jump, causing her to fall at the 19th fence. Despite the fall, she was praised for her bravery and determination to remount and continue the competition. However, she humorously clarified that her remounting was not entirely her own decision, stating, "Come on, be fair, I was put back on! The lights were on, but there was no one at home." This light-hearted remark highlighted her awareness of the impact the injury had on her memory. At the time of the Olympics, Princess Anne was just 25 years old, and her family, including her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and her father, Prince Philip, were present to support her. The late Queen had officially opened the tournament, marking a significant moment for the Royal Family. During the reception, Anne reflected on the passage of time and the lasting friendships formed through Olympic competition, expressing gratitude for the contributions of her fellow Olympians to Olympic history. The gathering also served as a reminder of the challenges faced by athletes, as Anne's injuries were believed to have been caused by an impact from her horse's head or legs. The event not only celebrated the achievements of the athletes but also underscored the physical risks involved in equestrian sports. As Anne and her fellow competitors reminisced about their experiences, they acknowledged the importance of camaraderie and the inspiration that the Olympics provided, both then and now.

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