Princess Eugenie’s Olympic Post Is a Bittersweet Throwback

Princesses Eugenie may not be at the Paris 2024 Olympics, but she’s there in spirit and happy to be cheering on Team GB from home—and with her throwback Instagram post, she shared a bit of nostalgia and pride. But the sweet post gave eagle-eyed royal fans a reason to wonder: why aren’t more members of the British royal family in attendance at this year’s Olympic Games? So far, many other European royals have been spotted, like Princess Charlene of Monaco and her husband Prince Albert, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia of Spain, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Queen Maxima, and King Philippe of Belgium and Queen Mathilde.

The only member of the British contingency has been Princess Anne, who was named a Patron of the British Olympic Association (BOA) earlier this year. Anne was on hand to present swimmer Adam Peaty with a silver medal in the 100m breaststroke and hand out gold medals to Team GB’s women’s quadruple sculls team.

On Reddit, users asked: “How come none of the English Royals are seen in Paris when almost every European Royal Family has been seen?” Others presented what may be the reason for a lack of Cambridges:  “I’ve been wondering this myself. Maybe it’s all the cancer treatment this year? Is it more normal for the UK royals to miss the Olympic games or go to them?”

“The Olympics is one of the best things in our world. It’s such a special time watching superhuman athletes represent their countries, bringing people together and inspiring generations. Some of my most favourite memories from 2012 was being on the sidelines cheering on our heroes. Not to mention, the best moment of all, watching my family win silver in eventing, goooo Z!” Eugenie shared today alongside images of her at various events at the London 2012 games. “Tag me in your Olympics pictures, I LOVE seeing them and resharing.”

So far, Team GB has earned six gold medals, but neither Eugenie nor members of her immediate family, like her sister Beatrice and her mother Sarah Ferguson, have been seen in Paris to soak up the festivities in person.