Princess Anne says she 'can't remember a single thing' about horse-related accident that left her with head injuries nearly three weeks ago as she makes return to royal duties with bruise under her left eye at riding event in Gloucestershire

The Princess Royal said that she 'can't remember a single thing' about the incident that left her with head injuries nearly three weeks ago.

Princess Anne, 73, who had a bruise under her left eye, was speaking as she returned to work with a visit to the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships at Hartpury University and Hartpury College.

It is part of a gradual return to royal duties since she was taken to hospital on June 23 with minor head wounds and concussion after walking around her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire.

Her doctors believe her injuries to be consistent with being struck by a horse.

Helena Vega Lozano, chair of RDA UK, said: 'It's a huge honour for the princess to come to the RDA as her only event since the accident.

'As soon as she got out of the car she said: 'I can't remember a single thing about it.'

Ms Vega Lozano added: 'It's hugely motivating and inspiring to have her here.'

Today, the Princess Royal arrived at the equine centre of Hartpury University with her lady-in-waiting Dolly Maude.

Wearing an olive green tweed suit and navy blue hat and gloves, she greeted officials from the RDA before walking inside a large indoor arena to present 23 awards to the charity's coaches and volunteers.

There were chairs available for officials but the Princess chose to remain standing as she spent time talking to the award winners as they came up to collect their certificates.

The princess, who became patron of the RDA in 1971 and its president in 1986 spent time chatting to guests.

She had always been scheduled to attend the event, the first day of the three-day National Championships for the RDA. However, the engagement was 'condensed' to accommodate the princess as she continues her recovery.

Rather than a two hour visit which would have included a tour of the area, including an outdoor school where carriage riding was taking place, it was restricted to a visit that lasted just under one hour.

Michael Bishop, chief executive of the RDA said: 'We're delighted that she was able to make it. Her commitment to the RDA is really welcome and well known.'

He added: 'The princess was on super form. It was lovely to see her again. She was very engaged while talking with all the volunteers and participants and there were a few quips thrown in, too. She was very switched on and recognised many of the volunteers because she had met them before.'

Avril Nicholl, 83, from County Antrim, Northern Ireland, of the Ballyclare Group, accepted an award on behalf of a young autistic rider.

She said: 'We were told not to ask her about it but I couldn't let it go by without saying, 'I'm so happy you could come'. She said 'It is so kind of you to say that.'

The princess returned home to Gatcombe Park two weeks ago after receiving treatment at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

Her visit to the RDA is part of a gradual recovery to public life.

While the details of the incident are still unclear, doctors believe her injuries are consistent with being struck by a horse's head or legs.