Britain's princess Anne hands out ribbons following a demonstration at the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association in Saanichton. AP

Princess Anne’s injuries after being kicked by a horse on Sunday evening “could be serious”, a royal expert has claimed.

The Princess Royal, 73, is in hospital after suffering minor injuries to her head and a concussion after the incident at her Gatcombe Park estate.

Royal expert Michael Cole suggested to the Metro that the Palace may be downplaying her injuries: “The fact the Princess Royal was detained in hospital overnight indicates that it’s not a minor matter.”

He added: “It’s no small thing to have a concussion at any age, but at the age of 73, it could be serious.”

Emergency services were despatched to the estate and, after medical care at the scene, the princess was transferred to Southmead Hospital in Bristol for appropriate tests, treatment and observation.

Buckingham Palace said: “The Princess Royal has sustained minor injuries and concussion following an incident on the Gatcombe Park estate yesterday evening.

“Her Royal Highness remains in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and swift recovery.”

The Independent