Princess Anne can’t remember “anything” about her horse accident

It was planned from the beginning that the princess would take part in this event, the first day of a three-day competition.

But instead of a two-hour visit, which would have included a tour of the grounds including an outdoor school with carriage rides, the tour was limited to just under an hour.

Michael Bishop, chief executive of the RDA, said: “We are delighted that she has made it. Her commitment to the RDA is very welcome and well known.”

He added: “The Princess was in top form. It was lovely to see her again. She was very engaging in conversation with all the volunteers and participants and also made a few witty remarks. She was very attentive and recognised many of the volunteers as she had met them before.”

Avril Nicholl, 83, from County Antrim in 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 pass without saying, ‘I’m so glad you could come.’ She said, ‘It’s so nice of you to say that.'”

The RDA National Championships is the largest equestrian event of its kind for disabled participants competing in dressage, vaulting, endurance jumping, carriage driving, performance shows and Countryside Challenge.

The British competitors at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, including Sophie Christiansen, Natasha Baker, Gabriella Blake, Georgia Wilson and Mari Durward-Akhurst, all began their competitive careers at the RDA National Championships.