The British royal family has always been closely intertwined with the Olympic Games, both as participants and as supporters. As we eagerly await the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, let’s take a look back at some of the most memorable moments of the British royal family’s history with the Games.
It all began in 1908, when London hosted the Olympic Games for the first time. King Edward VII, known for his love of sports, played a crucial role in bringing the Games to the British capital. He even opened the Games himself, making him the first British monarch to do so. The 1908 Olympics were a huge success, with the British team winning the most medals and setting the tone for the royal family’s future involvement with the Games.
In 1924, the Olympics returned to Paris and this time, it was Prince Edward, the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) who represented the royal family. He competed in the men’s singles and doubles tennis events, but unfortunately did not win any medals. However, his participation showed the world that the royal family was not just a symbol of tradition and formality, but also had a passion for sports.
The 1936 Olympics in Berlin saw another royal participation, this time from King Edward VIII’s brother, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. He competed in the equestrian events and won a bronze medal in the team event. This was a proud moment for the royal family, as it was the first time a member had won an Olympic medal.
The 1948 Olympics, also known as the “Austerity Games” due to the post-war economic situation, were held in London. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the parents of the current Queen Elizabeth II, played a significant role in making these Games a success. The royal couple attended the opening ceremony and showed their support for the athletes throughout the Games. This was a much-needed boost for the country, as it was still recovering from the devastation of World War II.
In 1952, the Olympics were held in Helsinki and this time, it was Queen Elizabeth II’s turn to make her mark on the Games. She was the first reigning monarch to attend the Olympics and she did so with great enthusiasm. The Queen even took part in the opening ceremony, carrying the Olympic torch and lighting the cauldron. This iconic moment captured the world’s attention and solidified the royal family’s connection with the Olympics.
The 1960 Olympics in Rome saw another royal participation, this time from Princess Anne, the daughter of Queen Elizabeth II. She competed in the equestrian events and won a gold medal in the team event, making her the first British royal to win an Olympic medal. Princess Anne’s love for horses and her dedication to the sport was evident in her performance, and she continues to be a strong supporter of equestrian sports to this day.
The 1976 Olympics in Montreal saw the royal family’s involvement in a different capacity. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was the president of the International Equestrian Federation at the time and played a crucial role in the organization of the equestrian events. He also presented the medals to the winners, including his daughter, Princess Anne, who won a silver medal in the individual event.
In 2012, London once again hosted the Olympic Games and this time, it was a family affair for the British royals. Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, all attended the opening ceremony. The Queen even made a surprise appearance in a James Bond skit, showcasing her sense of humor and love for her country. Prince William and his wife, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, were also seen cheering on the British athletes throughout the Games.
The 2012 Olympics also saw the royal family’s youngest member, Prince Harry, get involved in a different way. He was the patron of Team GB and attended several events to show his support for the athletes. His enthusiasm and energy were infectious, and he even joined in on a game of beach volleyball with the athletes.
Most recently, in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall, competed in the equestrian events and won a silver medal in the team event. This marked the fourth generation of the royal family to compete in the Olympics, further solidifying their legacy in the Games.
As we look forward to the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, we
