Why Princess Anne wasn't with King Charles for State Opening of Parliament

At last year's State Opening of Parliament, Princess Anne reprised her role from the King's coronation as his "protector", serving as the monarch's "Gold-Stick-in Waiting".

However, this year, the Princess Royal was nowhere to be seen beside her brother King Charles.

While some thought this was to do with the 73-year-old's recent hospitalisation following head injuries from a horse incident, the explanation is actually a little different.

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The role of "Gold-Stick-in Waiting" dates back to the 15th and is traditionally a personal "aide-de-camp" to His Majesty, who is entrusted with the monarch's safety.

Princess Anne has held the prestigious position since 1998, when she became the first female Colonel of the Blues and Royals, a regiment of the Household Cavalry.

"Gold Stick was the original close protection officer," she explained in an interview with CBC News prior to the coronation.

However, the role of "protector" alternates each year for State Opening of Parliament between the Blues and Royals and the other regiment of the Household Cavalry, the Life Guards, according to Telegraph UK.

As such, Lt Gen Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne, a retired Army officer who served with the Life Guards, was by the King's side for the procession on Wednesday they said.

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Princess Anne is still recovering from the incident on her Gatcombe Park estate last month, the details of which are unsure, with the royal suffering a concussion.

Her medical team believe her injuries were consistent with a hit from a horse's head or legs.

The 73-year-old spent six days in hospital and has cleared her diary for the foreseeable future as she recovers.

Last Friday, Princess Anne made her first public appearance since the June 23 accident, marking the first step of her "phased return" to public duties.

The Princess Royal visited one of her beloved charities, the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), which was hosting its annual national championships.

"I can't remember a single thing about it," Princess Anne was quoted as telling guests during the outing.

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