Royal Watch News

Prince Albert: Olympics have brought royals closer to Britain

Aug 9, 2012, 12:02 GMT

Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene

Prince Albert of Monaco believes the Olympic Games have brought Britain's royal family closer to the nation.

The 54-year-old former Olympian - who competed for the Monaco bobsleigh team at five Olympic Games between 1988 and 2002 - has attended a number of events at the London spectacle alongside his wife, Princess Charlene, and he has been 'very touched' to see so many British royals visit the tournament.

He said: 'You see a very touching side to them that you probably wouldn't under other circumstances. That can only bring them closer to the people. I think it's wonderful that they are so involved, that they show such support to the British athletes and the Games themselves.'

Albert revealed he has dubbed the tournament the 'emotional Games' after being caught up in the moment on a number of occasions, such as when Felix Sanchez won Dominican Republic's first gold in the 400m hurdles on Monday (06.08.12) with a picture of his grandmother under his bib.

He explained: 'I do get teary-eyed when I see someone, especially athletes that I know. There have been some incredible stories.

'Just to see him so choked up by the victory, the ceremony, it kind of gets to me.'

Albert insists Zara Phillips - Queen Elizabeth's granddaughter, who won a silver medal as part of Team GB's eventing team during the Games - will not have had any 'special treatment' throughout the tournament because sport is a 'great leveler'.

In an interview with The Times newspaper, Albert - who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee - added: 'Sport is the great leveler and there's no special treatment for anybody. You have to prove yourself. For Zara Phillips and her team-mates it's incredible.'