Princess Anne reflects on her Olympic past in heartfelt video

Princess Anne has opened up about her past as an Olympic athlete in a sweet video tribute wishing the Olympic Great Britain team luck in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

• Princess Anne was an Olympic athlete in the '70s.
• The Princess Royal has remained an active member of the Olympic community and is the President of Team GB.
• In other royal news, Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo shares an adorable Instagram message to mark the couple's first wedding anniversary.

Princess Anne took to social media to share a sweet message with Team GB as they start their Olympic journey in Tokyo. 

In the video message, Princess Anne reflected, “As your president, I would like to wish you every success in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games. Although I am sad not to be there in person, I and the whole nation will be cheering for you and proudly supporting you from home."

“I do remember from my own Olympic journey, the anticipation and the excitement of stepping onto the Olympic stage. But also, the single-minded focus on what you need to do." 

She continued, “I know that you have all worked incredibly hard for this moment, during the most challenging of times. And I hope that you will find the GB environment, a support, and inspiration for you."

“This is your Olympics. It will be different, but not in its importance to you. Savor it, and above all enjoy it."

Princess Anne finished her message by wishing the team, “good luck" before revealing that she'll be celebrating the team's achievements come fall.

Princess Anne has a long association with the Olympic Games and is both President of Team Great Britain and a Member of the International Olympic Committee.

The Princess Royal was also the first member of the royal family to compete in the Olympics. 

In 1979, Princess Anne competed at the Montreal Olympic Games. The Princess took part in the three-day equestrian event at the Games where she rode the Queen's horse Goodwill.

As the President of Team GB, typically it would be expected that Princess Anne would join the team and travel to Tokyo to support them.

The Princess usually plays an active role during the Olympic games and even accepted the Olympic flame in Athens on behalf of London to bring the torch back to Britain where it would begin its 8,000-mile tour across the country.

However, the pandemic has restricted travel, meaning that Princess Anne will not be playing such an active role in Tokyo this year.

The Tokyo Olympics will take place between Friday 23rd July and Sunday 8th August.