Princess Anne, Prince Albert Visit Italy Before 2026 Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics are drawing closer, with royal members already arriving in Italy. Notably, Princess Anne of the United Kingdom and Prince Albert of Monaco were spotted this Tuesday. They participated in the 145th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This session is significant, as it includes critical decisions on future Olympic host cities and policies governing the Games.

Princess Anne’s Olympic Legacy

Princess Anne has a notable connection with the Olympics. She made history as the first member of the British royal family to compete. In 1976, she represented Great Britain in the equestrian three-day event held in Montreal, riding a horse named Goodwill, owned by her mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Since then, she has taken on various leadership roles. Serving as an IOC member since 1988, she is also the president of the British Olympic Association. Anne has attended both the Winter and Summer Games in official capacities, consistently supporting Team Great Britain, often referred to as “Team GB.”

Major Contributions to Olympic Events

• Princess Anne was pivotal during the preparations for the London 2012 Olympics.
• She served as a director for the London Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• She also represented London at the 2004 Olympic Flame ceremony.

In 2012, she presented the silver medals to Team GB, which included her daughter Zara Tindall, who also competed in the equestrian event. Princess Anne participated in the medal ceremonies at the Eventing finals in Versailles during the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

Prince Albert’s Commitment to the Olympics

Similarly, Prince Albert shares a profound connection to the Olympic movement. He has been an IOC member since 1985. In addition, he competed in bobsleigh events across five Winter Olympics from 1988 to 2002.

• Albert has served as president of the Monegasque Olympic Committee since 1994.
• He holds several key positions within the IOC, including deputy chairman of the Athletes’ Commission.

2026 Winter Olympics Details

The 2026 Winter Olympics will commence on February 6, with an opening ceremony at San Siro Stadium in Milan. Events will take place across northern Italy, including the ski town of Cortina d’Ampezzo and other surrounding regions.