Princess Anne’s Olympic journey in pictures; from equestrian champion to esteemed royal patron!
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Princess Anne has always held the Olympic Games close to her heart, a love affair that began with her own groundbreaking Olympic debut in 1976.
Princess Anne with the Queen’s horse, Goodwill, during a break in training with the British Olympic team for the three-day event at the Montreal Olympic Games in Canada in 1976 | Source: Getty Images
Princess Anne made history in 1976 as the first Royal Family member to compete in the Games. She rode The Queen’s horse, Goodwill, in the Montreal Olympics’ equestrian three-day event.
It was a grueling competition that tested both horse and rider across dressage, cross-country, and show jumping phases. The event, televised on Walt Disney Television, captured the Princess in action as she navigated the course.
The 1976 Summer Olympic Games aired on the Walt Disney Television from July 17 to August 1, 1976. | Source: Getty Images
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In one memorable scene, the camera zoomed in on her intense focus as she and Goodwill soared over a water hurdle, a crucial test of skill and bravery. Her elegant yet commanding presence exemplified her dedication to the sport.
Princess Anne competing in the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976 | Source: Getty Images
As Princess Anne maneuvered through the course, the audience’s cheers underscored the significance of her participation. From the excitement of clearing another water hurdle to the supportive cheers of spectators, every moment of her performance was a testament to her equestrian skills and royal poise.
Princess Anne competing in the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976 | Source: Getty Images
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The Princess’s father, the late Prince Philip, was a steadfast supporter during this time. Photos from the event show him offering fatherly advice and encouragement.
Princess Anne talking to her father, Prince Phillip at Bromont, Canada, during the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976. | Source: Getty Images
Her Royal Highness was in a full equestrian uniform — complete with a red sweater emblazoned with “Great Britain,” as she chatted with her father.
Princess Anne talking to her father, Prince Phillip at Bromont, Canada, during the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976. | Source: Getty Images
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Despite the fierce competition, Princess Anne’s participation in the 1976 Olympics was a significant milestone in her equestrian career. It not only showcased her talent but also her unwavering commitment to the sport.
Her debut at the Games was a proud moment for the Royal Family. It set the stage for her continued involvement in the Olympics and the broader world of equestrianism. It was also a remarkable journey for Princess Anne, which has seen her rise to become the President of the British Olympic Association.
The Princess Royal aboard Goodwill at the XXI Olympic Summer Games on 24 July 1976 at the Olympic Equestrian Centre, Bromont, Québec, Canada. | Source: Getty Images
Before her Olympic appearance, Princess Anne had already garnered acclaim in multiple European championships. She won a gold medal in 1971 and silver medals in the individual and team disciplines in 1975.
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Her achievements didn’t go unnoticed. In 1988, she was appointed as a Member of the International Olympic Committee and has served as the chair since 2015.
Captain Mark Phillips helps his ex-wife, Princess Anne, onto her horse, Goodwill, during the Three Day Eventing at the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976. | Source: Getty Images
Princess Anne’s involvement in the Olympics didn’t end with her riding career. As Director of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, she played a pivotal role in securing London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Games.
Princess Anne at equestrian sport award ceremony on July 30, 2024 at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games | Source: Getty Images
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Her legacy continued at these Games when her daughter, following in her illustrious footsteps, competed in the equestrian three-day event. Great Britain won silver, and Princess Anne proudly awarded the medals, including one to her daughter.
Princess Anne’s dedication to the Olympics remained steadfast as she journeyed to Rio to show her support for Team Great Britain during the 2016 Games.Advertisement
Her commitment continued at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where, in her role as President, she expressed her enthusiasm for the athletes. With the Paris 2024 Olympics now in full swing, which began on July 26, Princess Anne has been a prominent presence.
Princess Anne with other members of the International Olympic Committee attend the men’s gold medal rugby sevens during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 27, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
She has attended various events, including the thrilling men’s gold medal rugby sevens match between France and Fiji. During the rugby sevens, she was spotted alongside other International Olympic Committee officials.
Princess Anne with other members of the International Olympic Committee attend the men’s gold medal rugby sevens during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 27, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
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Additionally, she made a notable appearance at the swimming competition medal ceremony on the second day of the Games.
Princess Anne is seen during the medal ceremon on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Paris La Defense Arena on July 28, 2024, in Nanterre, France. | Source: Getty Images
On July 29, Princess Anne took part in the equestrian medal ceremony. She was seen awarding gold medals to Rosalind Canter, Laura Collett, and Tom McEwen of Team Great Britain.
Princess Anne Anne, hands over the gold medals to Team Great Britain during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Chateau de Versailles on July 29, 2024, in Versailles, France. | Source: Getty Images
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Princess Anne’s unwavering commitment to the Olympics highlights her deep-rooted passion for the Games and her steadfast support for British athletes. Even while recovering from an injury sustained in a horse accident at her home, she has demonstrated remarkable dedication to the Olympic cause.
Earlier this month, Princess Anne returned to her royal duties after being discharged from the hospital. The avid equestrian had endured a concussion from the accident but has continued to show her enthusiasm for the sport and the charity, Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), which she passionately supports.
At a recent RDA event in Gloucestershire, Her Royal Highness shared about her condition and candidly admitted she couldn’t remember anything about the incident that occurred on June 23.
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Addressing her presence at the event, RDA UK chair Ms. Vega Lozano expressed that it was a huge honor for the princess to attend the RDA as her first event since the accident.
Princess Anne at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucester, England on July 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
During the event, Anne sported a classic ensemble that was perfect for the occasion. She wore an olive green two-piece tweed suit and paired her look with navy wool gloves, a matching hat, a colorful silk scarf, and black, heeled boots. The princess also carried a dark blue bag.
Princess Anne engaging with RDA participants and volunteers at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily
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Several pictures showed the British senior royal making her way through the event, greeting and conversing with fellow attendees. The official Instagram account of the royal family shared a carousel of images spotlighting her endeavors at the event.
Princess Anne arriving at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships, posted on July 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily
“At the Championships, the biggest equestrian event of its kind for disabled competitors, The Princess presented awards and met some of this year’s winners. 🎉 This year marks the 55th anniversary of the RDA!” penned the account in their caption.
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While Princess Anne certainly looked lively in the photos that were posted online, upon a closer review of some, one could easily notice the dark bruise underneath her left eye, on her left cheek.
Princess Anne at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucester, England on July 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The bruise came from the head injury she suffered from the accident which led to a five-night stay in Southmead Hospital in Bristol. Reports stated that the exact circumstances of the accident remained unclear.
However, what was known was that the princess sustained a minor head injury and concussion while taking a stroll on her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire. She was said to have been kicked by a horse and suffered temporary memory loss as a result.
Princess Anne seen horse riding in the grounds of Windsor Castle in Windsor, England on April 22, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
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Princess Anne was later discharged from Southmead Hospital early Friday morning, on June 28, where she exited without being seen. It was also confirmed that she returned to her peaceful country home at Gatcombe Park near Minchinhampton.Even as Princess Anne recovers, her deep love for horses and dedication to charity can’t go unnoticed. Some even wonder if this could have been her calling in another life. In a past interview, when asked what profession she would choose in another life, Anne admitted she had no idea.
Princess Anne riding her horse Goodwill during the Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire, England on April 15, 1978 | Source: Getty Images
She then remarked that it was a bit too late to worry about such things. Reflecting on her life, she noted the advantage of having experienced a broad spectrum of interests and not being tied to a specific field, which she sees as a fortunate aspect of her life.