HRH The Princess Royal made history as the first member of the British royal family to compete at an Olympics.
Princess Anne, who turns 75-years-old today, has a long-standing association with the British Olympic Association, as both competitor and on the board.
The Princess Royal rode The Queen's horse, Goodwill, in the equestrian three-day event at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games and has been the President of the British Olympic Association (BOA) since 1983.
Her Royal Highness won one gold medal in 1971 and two silver medals in 1975 at the European Eventing Championships and passed on her talent to daughter Zara Phillips, who won team eventing silver on home soil at London 2012.
Invested in the Olympic moment and Great Britain and Northern Ireland's success in the Games, Princess Anne is both fan and decision maker, something CEO of the BOA, Andy Anson has commended her for.
"“When she speaks at board meetings everyone listens," he said.
"She's got tons of experience. She's totally relaxed in that environment and will join in discussions just like any other board member.
"We do see quite a lot of her. She just fits in and she's amazing to work with. For me, it's been a real joy.
“Because she's an Olympian, and the mother of an Olympian, and she's been involved [with the BOA] for so long, she brings great knowledge and experience.
"Before any Olympics, the athletes really want to meet her and they find it really easy just to chat with her informally because she’s been an athlete and she knows what life’s like for an athlete."
The Princess Royal and her husband Sir Tim Lawrence have travelled alongside the BOA to the majority of Olympic Games to support the team.
“[After formal duties have concluded] they're just literally watching sports and being with our team," said Anson.
"They’ll go into the Olympic Village and meet all the team working really hard in the there.
"She’s part of a lot of morale building and it does feel like she's part of that bigger team, which is brilliant.”
Remembered in recent years for donning her iconic bucket hat and visor sunglasses in the stands, Princess Anne truly is Team GB's number one fan.
Anson added: “Those [glasses and hats] have lasted her since 2008! Those pictures are probably some of the most iconic from Paris 2024."
Sportsbeat 2025