The two members of the International Olympic Committee, both former Olympic athletes, met during the 145th IOC Session held at La Scala in Milan, three days before the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Games.
Princess Anne was the first member of the British royal family to compete in the Olympic Games, representing Great Britain in equestrian eventing at Montreal in 1976. She rode Goodwill, a horse belonging to her mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Prince Albert II, 67, competed in five Winter Olympic Games in bobsleigh for Monaco. His experience as an athlete has shaped his view of the Olympic movement today.
The two members of the International Olympic Committee, both former Olympic athletes, met in Milan during the 145th IOC Session © All rights reserved
Forty years of service to the IOC
A member of the IOC since 1985, Prince Albert II is one of the institution’s longest-serving figures. Princess Anne joined in 1988 and has established herself as one of the committee’s most respected members, notably thanks to her role in organising the London 2012 Games. The Olympic tradition has continued in the British royal family: Zara Tindall, daughter of Princess Anne, won the silver medal in equestrian events at the London Games, where her mother herself presented her with her medal.
In pictures: Prince Albert II in Milan ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics
Last Monday, the two royals attended speeches by IOC President Kirsty Coventry and Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the opening ceremony of the session.
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The Italian head of state recalled the universal dimension of sport, describing it as a ‘meeting in peace’ and a testimony to friendship.