The upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing will look much different than when the city hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics. Besides the main difference between the Summer and Winter Games, this year, the world is still in a global health crisis creating many changes such as a limit to who can attend the games. With the opening ceremonies upon us, Royal Central is looking back at the royal presence at the 2008 games.
Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik
Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik were seen laughing and snapping photos during a preliminary basketball match at the Olympic Basketball Gymnasium.
The Princess Royal
The Princess Royal was seen at the dressage test for the equestrian event at Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue located in Sha Tin. The Princess has had a long association with the Olympic Games as she was a participant in the 1976 games and now serves as President of the British Olympic Association and a member of the International Olympic Committee.
The Princess’ daughter, Zara Tindall, has followed her mother’s Olympic footsteps; she competed in the same equestrian three-day event at the 2012 London Summer Games. Great Britain won silver in the event, and The Princess presented the team, including her daughter, with the medals.
Queen Letizia and Felipe VI of Spain
The couple was spotted at the Opening Ceremony, taking photos and waving to the crowds.
Princess Nathalie of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg
The Princess, a member of the Danish Royal Family, took part in the games as a participant. She took part as a member of the Danish dressage team and was rewarded with a bronze medal.
Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed Al Maktoum
The Sheikha, daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, competed in the 2008 games when she became the first woman to carry the flag for the United Arab Emirates at the Olympics Games. Maitha competed in the taekwondo competition. Since the 2008 games and following injuries, she has transitioned to polo. She led her team to victory at the Polo Masters Cup in 2021.
