Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Britain’s Princess Anne, a member of the IOC since 1988, has sent a video message to the athletes of the British equestrian team in which she explains that she will not be able to attend the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The video message was broadcast by the official press service of Buckingham Palace.

“I’m sad to not be there in person. I, and the whole nation, will be cheering for you and supporting you from home,” she said, adding that she supported and encouraged her team because she knew the excitement of competition, having been herself a competitor in the Olympic Games.

In February 2021, the princess had expressed her doubts to the BBC about staging the Olympics during a pandemic but was happy they could still take place.

She was a pioneer as a member of the International Olympic Committee since 1988 and the first athlete from the royal family.

The princess traveled to Japan in 2019 with an official delegation and representatives of the JRA (Japan Racing Association) to inspect the Olympic equestrian park and the cross-country course before the Games were postponed.