On Friday Princess Anne attended the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucestershire, at Hartpury University and College.

She appeared to be in good spirits for the event, however signs of her injuries were still visible as some slight bruising under her left eye could be seen.

The Princess wore a chic grey suit, colourful scarf and blue hat as she was met at the Championships by the association’s chairwoman Helena Vega Lozano and chief executive Michael Bishop.

Anne joined supporters in the arena to watch the competition before presenting awards and meeting some of the winners.

She became patron of the RDA in November 1971 and then President in March 1986, and looked delighted to help the organisation celebrate its 55th anniversary.

Ms 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.”

Chief Executive of the RDA, Michael Bishop, also welcomed the Princess warmly: “We are honoured to welcome The Princess Royal to our flagship event the RDA National Championships, at which we are celebrating our 55th anniversary and delighted that she has chosen to join us as she returns to royal duties.

“As our President, the Princess holds a very special place in the hearts of the entire RDA community and has helped us celebrate many significant milestones and provided invaluable support for over five decades.

“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.”