9 Royals Who Have Competed in the Olympics
From Sheikha Maitha to Princess Anne, Bazaar Arabia celebrates royal olympians who have shined on the world stage…
It’s no secret that the Royals are known to boast some serious athletic talent — Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s January 2024 cover star Sheikha Mahra is an avid horse rider, King Charles was a polo enthusiast, and the Princess of Wales previously excelled in hockey during her academic years. But a select few royals have taken their passion for sports to the next level, competing in the ultimate arena: the Olympics.
With the Olympic Games underway, Bazaar Arabia takes a look at some of the historic royal Olympians from around the world. From Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to Princess Anne, discover the royals who have made their mark on the world’s biggest sporting event.
9 Royals Who Have Competed in the Olympics
Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Sheikha Maitha, the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE’s Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai made history in 2008 by becoming the first Emirati woman to compete in the Olympics. Representing her country in martial arts, Her Highness not only competed, but also proudly carried the UAE flag at the opening ceremony. Talk about making a grand entrance!
Princess Anne
Princess Anne was the first British royal to hit the Olympic stage. In the 1976 Montreal Olympics she rode Goodwill, a horse owned by her mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Competing in the three-day eventing category, the princess proved that royal duties and sporting excellence can go hand in hand. Today, she serves as the president of the British Olympic Association and a member of the International Olympic Committee.
Zara Tindall
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Zara Tindall took her equestrian skills to the 2012 London Olympics. Competing for the British team, she won a silver medal in the eventing team competition. Clearly, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Princess Charlene of Monaco
Before becoming Princess of Monaco, Charlene Wittstock swam her way into the Olympics. Representing South Africa in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, she competed in the 4×100 meter medley relay, finishing fifth. It was also during this time that she met her future husband, Prince Albert.
Prince Albert II of Monaco
Speaking of Prince Albert, he’s no stranger to the Olympics either. Competing in the bobsleigh event for Monaco, he participated in five consecutive Winter Olympics from 1988 to 2002. From two-man to four-man competitions, Prince Albert’s dedication to sports is truly commendable.
King Felipe VI
In the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, King Felipe VI of Spain wasn’t just a royal spectator; he was in the thick of the action as a member of the Spanish Olympic sailing team.
Princess Cristina of Spain
Infanta Cristina of Spain also took to the water, competing in sailing at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. While she didn’t win any medals, her participation certainly highlighted her passion for the sport.
Prince Bira of Siam
Prince Bira of Thailand was a true Olympian at heart, competing in sailing across four Olympic Games: Melbourne (1956), Rome (1960), Tokyo (1964), and Munich (1972). Educated at Eton, he brought his competitive spirit and royal presence to the sailing world.
Lead images courtesy of Instagram/@mmrm1 and Pinterest/@kenneth