Princess Anne's embarrassing tumble

Jun 12, 2007, 12:20 GMT

Britain's Princess Anne spurned the help of a man who rushed to her aid when she took a tumble during an official visit yesterday (11.06.07).

Anne, 56, was greeting crowds on the island of Guernsey in the Channel Isles when she lost her footing on an uneven path and toppled backwards onto her bottom.

But the princess shook off the efforts of the island's bailiff, Geoffrey Rowland, who tired to help her up, insisting she could manage by herself.

As Rowland - who is in charge of the island's legal and political system - swooped down to offer his support, Anne snapped: "No, don't do that, thank you. Grabbing me round my (inaudible) won't help. I'm perfectly capable of getting up myself."

The princess, who was not injured in the fall, quickly got back on her feet and soon appeared to have recovered from the shock.

Rowland later released a statement saying: "The Princess Royal slipped at the top of Smith Street, I offered her my assistance but no damage was done. She was mildly shaken, but swiftly recovered and was determined to continue with the walk through St Peter Port. She was soon acknowledging bystanders in her usual relaxed and engaging way."

Anne later opened a civil hall and toured an arts centre, before moving on to the neighbouring island of Sark.

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