In 1976, Princess Anne went to the Olympic Games in Montreal. Not as a spectator, as with many members of the monarchy before, but as an actual Olympian: she qualified, and competed, in the equestrian three-day event on behalf of Great Britain. She was the first British royal ever to participate in the international sporting competition.
So it’s no surprise that throughout the Montreal Olympics, photographers regularly turned their lenses to the history-making princess, as well as her famous family cheering for her in the stands. Many of the photographs are of her in competition—including in the equestrian events of showjumping, cross-country, and dressage. But there are also many off-the-cuff moments: such as when she receives a pep talk from her father, Prince Phillip, or when her then-husband, Mark Phillips, helps her onto her horse Goodwill. (The horse, by the way, belonged to Queen Elizabeth. Anne was said to joke that it was a rare instance where the queen bred the horse and also the rider.)
Over three decades later, Anne’s daughter Zara would compete on behalf of Great Britain in the 2012 London Olympic Games. She and her equestrian team won the silver medal—and the Princess Royal got to present it to her.
As the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris kick off this weekend, take a look back at Princess Anne as an Olympian—as well as stylish photos of the royal family as her dedicated spectators.