Royal breaks both wrists in horror accident at Kensington Palace

Key Takeaways:

• Princess Michael of Kent broke both wrists after a fall at her Kensington Palace home.
• She was diagnosed with a heart condition last year that required surgery.
• Her son-in-law, Thomas Kingston, died due to an adverse reaction to mental health medication.
• Lady Gabriella Windsor advocates for greater awareness of mental health medication effects.
• The royal family demonstrated unity at the annual pre-Christmas lunch amidst personal hardships.

Princess Michael’s Battle: Dual Injuries and Family Heartache

A Fall Within Palace Walls

Princess Michael of Kent, 79, has candidly shared her recent health struggles following a fall at her Kensington Palace residence. While carrying coats, she stumbled and instinctively used her hands to break the fall, resulting in both wrists being broken.

“So many things that you rely on being able to do, like cleaning your teeth, are impossible,” she revealed in an interview ahead of her 80th birthday. “I can type with one finger on a mobile, but I can’t use a laptop. I am told that, after an accident like this, if you do one wrong movement on top of the unhealed bones, you are back where you started.”

Facing a Heart Condition

This accident comes after another health hurdle last year when Princess Michael was diagnosed with a heart condition that necessitated surgery. Reflecting on the experience, she told Majesty magazine, “It shocked me. I still have to rest every afternoon.”

A Family Grieving

The princess’s personal challenges are set against a backdrop of family tragedy. Earlier this year, her daughter, Lady Gabriella Windsor, faced the sudden loss of her husband, Thomas Kingston. In February, Kingston passed away from a self-inflicted shotgun wound after suffering an adverse reaction to medication prescribed for his mental health.

During the inquest at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court, Lady Gabriella, 43, emphasized the need for better awareness of the potential effects of mental health medications. She expressed her fears that without increased understanding, more lives could be lost.

Advocating for Mental Health Awareness

The tragedy has spurred Lady Gabriella to advocate for greater transparency and education regarding mental health treatments. Princess Michael reflected on her son-in-law’s untimely death, admitting, “We never had an inkling anything was wrong.” She fondly remembered Thomas as “a lovely man, so kind and thoughtful,” and noted the family’s strong support for Lady Gabriella during this difficult time, particularly from her brother Freddie and his wife Sophie.

Unity at the Christmas Lunch

Amidst these personal struggles, the royal family presented a united front at the annual pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace. Princess Michael, her husband Prince Michael of Kent, their children, and grandchildren were all in attendance. The family was seen arriving at the palace, symbolizing solidarity and support.

Other esteemed guests included the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Beatrice and her husband Edo Mapelli Mozzi, as well as Princess Eugenie with her husband Jack Brooksbank.

Notable Absences

Conspicuously absent were the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. A royal insider revealed that Prince William and Catherine were in Norfolk as scheduled, eagerly anticipating Christmas celebrations with the rest of the royal family at Sandringham.

Resilience Amid Adversity

The Buckingham Palace lunch remains a cherished tradition, offering a private gathering for senior royals and extended family members who won’t be joining the festivities at the King’s residence in Norfolk. This year, the event underscored the importance of family unity and resilience in the face of personal adversity.