In 13 Pics: Princess Anne as the First Ever British Royal Olympian and Her Appearance at the Olympics 48 Years Later

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Her Royal Highness was in a full equestrian uniform — complete with a red sweater emblazoned with “Great Britain,” as she chatted with her father.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Additionally, she made a notable appearance at the swimming competition medal ceremony on the second day of the Games.

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’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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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 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.

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.