The former naval officer’s injury comes seven months after the Princess Royal was also injured at their home, Gatcombe Park, last summer

The Princess Royal has started her two-day trip to South Africa solo, as her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence drops out of the visit. Anne began her visit to Cape Town alone after Sir Tim suffered a suspected torn ligament while working on her Gatcombe estate, it is understood.

Princess Anne's husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, will not be joining her today in South Africa due to an injury.

Princess Anne has been forced to jet off to South Africa alone after her husband suffered an injury. Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence has remained in the UK due to a suspected torn ligament, preventing him from accompanying his wife,