THESE Royal Couples Fell In Love At The Olympics

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Crown Princess Mary first met in a Sydney pub during the 2000 Olympics. Frederik, introducing himself as 'Fred', was not immediately recognised by Mary, an Australian ad executive.

It was only later that she learned of his royal status. After a long-distance relationship, Frederik proposed in 2003 with a ring featuring Denmark’s national colours. They married on 14 May 2004 at Copenhagen Cathedral and became Denmark's king and queen in January 2024, following the abdication of Queen Margrethe.

Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips
In 1972, Princess Anne, a renowned equestrian and the Queen’s only daughter, and Captain Mark Phillips, who won gold in eventing at the Munich Olympics, deepened their relationship. They had previously known each other through equestrian events in the 1960s.

Mark was asked about proposing to a princess during their 1973 engagement interview and downplayed the significance, focusing on their personal connection. Although their marriage ended, their daughter, Zara Tindall, also an equestrian, won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics, with her mother presenting the award.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco

Prince Albert of Monaco met South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock at the Mare Nostrum swimming competition in Monte Carlo in 2000. Albert, a seasoned sportsman, was impressed by Charlene's performance and asked her out after the event.

Due to Charlene's ongoing career, they reconnected five years later, starting a relationship. Their first public appearance was at the 2006 Turin Olympics, where their shared passion for sports was evident.

They married in 2011 and have twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, born in 2014.

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden met Silvia Sommerlath, an official hostess at the 1972 Munich Olympics, and felt an immediate connection. Despite pressure to marry a Swedish noblewoman, Carl Gustaf stayed devoted to Silvia, who was of German and Brazilian descent.In 1974, Silvia moved to Montreal to escape intense speculation, but Carl Gustaf proposed with his late mother's ring, officially presenting her as his future queen. The couple married in 1976, had three children, and celebrated their love's legacy when their daughter, Crown Princess Victoria, married Daniel Westling on their 34th wedding anniversary.

Infanta Cristina of Spain and Iñaki Urdangarin
Infanta Cristina of Spain met Iñaki Urdangarin, a star handball player, at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Urdangarin, who competed in three Olympics, and Cristina, a former member of Spain's sailing team at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, married in 1997. They had four children: Juan, Pablo, Miguel, and Irene.Their marriage faced a major scandal when Urdangarin was convicted of embezzlement and money laundering in 2018, receiving a five-year and ten-month prison sentence. Infanta Cristina was acquitted but lost her title as Duchess of Palma in 2015. The couple divorced in January 2024 after 26 years of marriage.

These royal love stories, intertwined with the Olympic Games, highlight how the spirit of competition and international camaraderie can lead to enduring relationships in the royal world.

Recently, at the 2024 Paris Olympics, several royals have made appearances at various events. A particularly delightful moment was seeing the young twins of Monaco, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, enjoying the festivities.