Princess Anne stepped out in South Africa on her own as her husband was forced to pull out of the international trip after suffering an injury to his hand.
Anne arrived in Cape Town for a two-day visit on Tuesday, where she spent time meeting young riders at the South African Riding for the Disabled Association.
While the Princess Royal was originally expected to be accompanied by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, he was unable to join the two-day trip due to a suspected torn ligament sustained while working at Gatcombe estate.
Upon arriving in South Africa, the Princess Royal, 74, watched a riding lesson and presented rosettes to children during her visit to the equestrian facility.
Princess Anne arrived in South Africa on Tuesday
PA
Timothy Laurence gained the injury on the Gatcombe Park Estate
Getty
The engagement showcased the royal’s longstanding connection with horse riding, as she interacted with both young riders and volunteers who assist children in the saddle.
During her visit, 11-year-old Lashwil asked the Princess Royal about her own ponies.
“How many ponies do you have?” the young rider inquired after receiving his prize.
Princess Anne responded with characteristic candour, smiling as she admitted: “More than I should have,” adding that there was “one I do ride.”
Princess Anne visited the South African Riding School for Disabled Association
PA
The princess spent time chatting with the facility’s volunteers who support children during their riding sessions.
During her tour of the facility’s stables, Princess Anne encountered a particularly energetic grey pony who was kicking at his door.
The Princess Royal responded to the restless animal with humour, remarking to the groom: “Oh dear, interrupting another smooth-running day.”
Upon learning the pony’s name, she responded with amusement: “He’s actually called Maverick?”
Princess Anne viewing the Princess Anne rose with Anja Taschner
PA
The princess viewed all 14 ponies housed at the facility during her stable tour.
Princess Anne’s connection to equestrianism runs deep, as she became the first British royal to compete in the Olympics, participating in the 1976 Montreal Games as a three-day eventer.
This marks her second visit to the South African Riding for the Disabled Association, having first toured the facility in 1994.
The Princess Royal maintains active involvement with numerous equine organisations, including Riders for Health, The Horse Trust and World Horse Welfare.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Princess Anne viewed an exhibition by former England cricketer Nick Compton
PA
Her daughter, Zara Tindall, has followed in her footsteps, winning an Olympic silver medal in eventing at London 2012.
Later in her Cape Town visit, the Princess Royal attended the British High Commission, where she completed the planting of a special rose variety.
The flower, named “Princess Anne” in her honour, was first introduced in 2010.
The princess revealed she grows some of these roses in her own garden.