All the Times the Royal Family Attended — and Competed in — the Olympics
As anticipation heats up for the Rio Olympics, all eyes are on the athletes taking part. Some have more familiar faces than others, and Zara Phillips is certainly one of them — while assorted members of her famous family will be in attendance, there are also many other royal connections to the event. Not only did Zara win silver at London 2012, but her parents even met at the 1972 games in Munich, where her father won gold. We're taking a look at some of the best royal moments at the Olympics over the years.
London 2012
Zara Phillips won silver at the Games.
Montreal 1976
The queen, Prince Andrew, a young Prince Edward, and Prince Charles watched Princess Anne compete in an equestrian event.
London 2012
As William, Kate, and Harry watched Usain Bolt on Super Saturday, Harry wore Bob Marley's scarf, which was given to him by his widow the previous year on his trip to Jamaica.
Munich 1972
Princess Anne and her father, Prince Philip, checked out the Olympics where she met her future husband, Mark Phillips.
London 2012
Forty years later, Anne and Philip watched her daughter, Zara, compete.
London 1948
King George VI and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, attended the opening ceremony with Princess Margaret.
Sydney 2000
Prince Charles was welcomed Down Under.
London 2012
Kate and William celebrated at the velodrome.
Montreal 1976
Anne and Mark — now married — prepared for her event.
London 2012
Beatrice, Eugenie, William, Kate, and Harry waved to Zara during her event.
London 2012
Zara and Tom Daly posed together on the competitors bus.
Montreal 1976
Princess Anne rode her horse, Goodwill, during the Summer Games.
Montreal 1976
The queen watched her daughter, Princess Anne, compete.
Montreal 1976
Prince Philip, Princess Anne, Mark Phillips, Prince Edward, the queen, Prince Andrew, and Prince Charles posed for the cameras in Canada ahead of Princess Anne's events.
London 2012
Prince Harry and Peter Phillips enjoyed the cycling event.
Los Angeles 1984
Princess Anne spoke with Daley Thompson after he won the gold medal in the decathlon.
London 1948
Less than a year married, Prince Philip attended without the queen but with her parents, Queen Elizabeth and King George VI.
Montreal 1976
As head of the Commonwealth, the queen opened games with Prince Andrew.
Calgary 1988
Princess Anne chatted with ski jumper Eddie "the Eagle" Edwards.
London 2012
William and Harry were just another two faces in the crowd while watching the artistic gymnastics men's team.