During the 1908 and 1948 London Olympics, the royal family was deeply involved. King Edward VII opened the 1908 games at White City Stadium. Originally meant for Rome, the event moved to London after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1906. Legend has it that Queen Alexandra influenced the marathon's length to 26.2 miles, a distance that became official in 1921.

The 1948 London Games, known as “The Austerity Games,” were the first since World War II and were opened by King George VI.

Princess Anne made history as the first British royal to compete in the Olympics in 1976, participating in the equestrian event. Riding the Queen’s horse, Goodwill, Anne’s journey included a fall that led to a concussion. Her equestrian pursuits are a royal tradition, from King Charles II’s love for horse racing to William and Harry’s polo matches.




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