The Princess Royal has said she is “deeply saddened” to miss a memorial ceremony in Canada, as she made her first public comments since being hospitalised last week.

The princess, who had intended to fly to the Commonwealth realm this weekend, said it was with “deep regret” that she is not able to join a service to mark the centenary of the Newfoundland National War Memorial.

She said she was compelled to cancel her trip after suffering concussion following an incident with a horse.

She suffered what the palace has described as “minor injuries and concussion”, with wounds thought to be consistent with being hit on the head by a horse’s leg or head.

The King’s sister, 73, spent five nights at Southmead Hospital in Bristol after being hurt while walking on her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire.

She departed privately on Friday morning without being seen and is continuing her recovery at home.

The Canadian memorial ceremony saw the repatriation of the remains of an unknown World War I soldier from Newfoundland, who fell on the battlefields in Northern France.

In her absence, the princess’ remarks were read by the Canadian Governor-General.

“It is with deep regret that I am unable to be with you today, as you commemorate the brave efforts and sacrifices of the members of the Newfoundland Regiment who went into battle on the first day of the Somme,” the princess said.

“I have fond memories of joining you in 2016, on the 99th occasion that the people of this Island commemorated the Battle of Beaumont Hamel, and I am deeply saddened that I’m unable to join you again, and I send you my warmest best wishes on this special day of commemoration.”

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