We’re just a few days into the Paris Olympics, and we’ve already had a raft of celebrities spotted in the stands: Ariana Grande, Tom Cruise, Lady Gaga, Jessica Chastain, Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Nick Jonas. And that was just to watch Simone Biles execute a jaw-dropping comeback — to Taylor Swift’s “… Are You Ready For It?” naturally — in the gymnastics qualifiers!
As of right now, the number of British Royal Family members spotted spectating is much lower at just one: Princess Anne — mere weeks after a “freak accident” with one of her horses landed her in hospital — handing out medals in her capacity as president of the British Olympic Association and as a former Olympic equestrian herself. (Widening our scope beyond the Windsors, there have been a few other royals present, like Australia-born Queen Mary of Denmark and her husband, plus Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco, who swam for South Africa in the 2000 Olympics.)
It doesn’t feel like a stretch, however, to wonder if other members of the Royal Family might be tempted to hop on the Eurostar — service now restored after arsonists spiked rail service in France just in time to cause travel chaos for the opening ceremony on Friday — and pop across the channel to cheer on their subjects as Team GB competes in the Olympics.
And while we only have evidence of Princess Anne at the Olympics, the list of reasons why we might see other royals — and specifically, William and Kate — are as numerous as meme-able moments from the opening ceremonies. (Although that whole “let’s recreate the beheading of Queen Marie Antoinette” part might be one reason these royals stay away, to be fair.)
Will they bring the kids?
The Prince and Princess of Wales are famously enthusiastic sports fans: Just a few weeks ago, Prince William was spotted going through the five stages of grief live in the stands as he watched England lose the Euros championship match. And a few hours before that, Kate Middleton made just her second appearance of the year at Wimbledon, where she got a standing ovation before sitting down to watch the men’s final. And lest we forget: this is the couple who were everywhere at the London 2012 Olympics, just two newlyweds who famously leapt into each other’s arms when cyclist Chris Hoy took home the gold.
Since then, Will and Kate have also made a tradition of bringing their kids along to big sporting events and, particularly since it’s vacation time, it seems even more likely that Will and Kate might pop up in Paris with George, Charlotte and Louis in tow. If we had to put bets on events where we might see them: athletics, where Jeremiah Azu (a.k.a. the “fastest Welshman in history”) is competing in the 100 metre; sailing (Great Britain holds the most medals in the sport, and we’ve seen both Will and Kate get behind the wheel themselves); and to watch Andy Murray, a tennis great who Kate has personally shouted out on social media, play the final games of his career.
Will Harry and Meghan show?
As a possible wild card, there’s also Prince Harry, who was enthusiastically cheering at London 2012 alongside Will and Kate (much simpler times, those), and is a frequent sight in the stands of his own Invictus Games. Also often by his side at those events? His wife, Meghan, whose close friend Serena Williams was one of the torch bearers in the opening ceremony. Could we see Meghan sitting next to Serena watching Simone Biles compete for gold on Tuesday? Well, the Duchess of Sussex was spotted on the east coast over the weekend, which would make a jaunt to France comparatively more convenient than if she were in California …
Speculation aside, of course, there is a long royal association with the Olympics. Several royals — Princess Anne, her daughter Zara — have actually competed in the Games, and the family came out in droves for the London 2012 Games. (Who can forget the late Queen Elizabeth jumping out of a plane in the opening ceremony?!) Even if it’s just the more minor royals — Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are who we’d put money on — that strong link and love of a sporting event are why we’re sure we’ll see more royals at Paris 2024.
Kate Middleton, however, remains a long shot given her absence from public life due to cancer treatment … but what are the Olympics for if not surprise comebacks?
Sarah
Laing is a Toronto-based freelance contributor for The Star,
writing about celebrity and culture. Follow her on X: @sarahjanelaing.
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation