Princess Anne is following in the footsteps of Prince William by sharing a rare personal message.
Buckingham Palace recently released a never-before-seen video of the Princess Royal, 70, congratulating Team Great Britain ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (which were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic).
“As your president, I would like to wish you every success for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games,” she says. “Although I am sad not to be there in person, I and the whole nation will be cheering for you and proudly supporting you from home.”
We’re not totally surprised that Princess Anne is speaking out in honor of the competitors. Not only is she the president of the British Olympic Association, but she was also the first member of the royal family to participate as an athlete. (FYI: She competed on the British equestrian team at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.)
Princess Anne goes on to discuss her own experience, adding, “I do remember from my own Olympic journey: the anticipation and excitement of stepping onto the Olympic stage. But also the single-minded focus on what you need to do. I know that you have all worked incredibly hard for this moment, during the most challenging of times, and I hope you will find the Team GB environment a support and an inspiration for you.”
She continues, “This is your Olympics. It will be different, but not in its importance to you. Savor it, and above all, enjoy it. Good luck, and I look forward to celebrating your achievements with you in the autumn.”
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