What do Princess Anne, Prince Albert of Monaco and Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum all have in common? They’ve competed in the Olympics.
Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum. Photo: Instagram.com/mmrm1
With high glamour, thrilling competition and a most prestigious of histories, the Olympic Games is the most esteemed of events in the sporting world. Perhaps it should come as little surprise that a number of royals have competed in the tournament over the years; with some even garnering Olympic medals.
With the Paris Olympics quickly approaching, Tatler chronicles those royals who have showcased their sporting prowess on the world stage – from the Windsors and their love of equestrian sports to the Monégasque couple who have both competed.
Princess Haya bint Hussein
Photo: Getty
Another keen equestrian, the daughter of King Hussein of Jordan represented her country in the 2000 Sydney Olympics as part of the equestrian team, when she was aged 26. Since then, she has done much to modernise the sport, becoming the leader of the FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports) in 2006, holding the position until 2014.
Princess Haya bint Hussein during the Olympic Games in Sydney, 2000
Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum
Photo: Getty
The Sheikha made history in 2008 when she became the first woman to carry the flag for the United Arab Emirates at the Olympic Games. The daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum competed in the taekwondo competition. Since then, following injuries, she has moved into polo, leading her team to victory this year at the Polo Masters Cup 2021.
Pictured: Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum fighting Sandra Saric during a match of taekwondo in the Beijing Olympics, 2008
Princess Anne
Photo: Getty
The Queen’s only daughter became the first member of the British royal family to compete in the Olympics in 1976 in Montreal, when she entered the equestrian three-day event. She rode her mother’s horse, Goodwill, with her whole family in attendance to cheer her on. Sadly, she did not win any medals, and placed 24th in the individual eventing.
Pictured: Princess Anne during the Olympic Games in Québec, Canada, 1976
Zara Tindall
Photo: Getty
Following in the footsteps of her parents (her father, Captain Mark Philips, entered the Olympics prior to his now ex-wife, in 1972) Zara Tindall entered the London 2012 Olympics with the British equestrian team, winning a silver medal. Princess Anne and Prince Philip were among those who watched Zara competing in the event, while the Princess Royal even went on to present her with her medal.
The royal would later describe competing as ‘incredible’, saying, ‘An amazing feeling to be part of the Olympics and to ride for your country and to just be here. The crowd are amazing. It was incredible to be selected, and to be at here at home for the Olympics is an amazing feeling. You try to do your best for the team.’
Pictured: Zara Tindall during the Show Jumping Equestrian event at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Princess Charlene of Monaco
Photo: Getty
Before she was a royal bride, South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock was an Olympic athlete, participating as part of her homeland’s 4x100m relay team. Sadly, she didn’t take home a medal, placing fifth. She retired from competitive swimming in 2007, but has remained passionate about the sport throughout her royal career.
Pictured: Princess Charlene of Monaco during the Women’s 100 metres backstroke at the Olympic Games in Sydney, 2000
Prince Albert II of Monaco
Photo: Getty
One area that Prince Albert and his wife Princess Charlene no doubt bonded over was their shared love of sport, as well as being in the exclusive Olympic athlete club. Despite hailing from the warm Mediterranean principality, he competed in five consecutive Winter Olympics from 1988 to 2002, taking part in both the two-man and four-man bobsled teams. Prince Albert is still closely connected to the sport.
Pictured: Prince Albert II of Monaco doing bobsleigh training in readiness for the Calgary Olympic Games, 1988
Infanta Cristina of Spain
Photo: Getty
Another Spanish royal who has represented her country in sailing at the Olympics is Felipe’s elder sister, Infanta Cristina, who took part in the 1988 Seoul games, but sadly did not win a medal.
Pictured: Infanta Cristina supporting her husband and his handball team during the Sydney Olympics, 2000
Originally published in Tatler.com
