Ex-Olympian Princess Charlene leads European royals in Paris

Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco joined a host of European royals at Élysée Palace – ahead of the Olympics opening ceremony in Paris.

The regal couple was a vision in bold pink and red colours, as they arrived alongside King Felipe of Spain, the King and Queen of Denmark, and the Belgian monarchs. 

Excitement is building in the French capital as VIPs and A-listers have arrived for the highly-anticipated sports event. This afternoon, French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife welcomed the cohort for a decorated Heads of State reception.

Princess Charlene began her swimming career in 1996 and represented South Africa at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, with her team finishing fifth in the 4 × 100-metre medley relay. She retired from professional swimming in 2007.

Charlene met Prince Albert at the Mare Nostrum swimming competition in Monte Carlo in 2000 and the pair married 11 years later.

Putting on a chic display in a white gown and red blazer, Queen Mary of Denmark led the way at the reception in a striking crimson top – as her husband opted for a navy suit – while Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium too looked dapper ahead of the festivities.

Also present were Maria Teresa, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

Royals from farther away – including the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his wife – were also in attendance.

The Olympic Games will officially get underway this evening with a glittering ceremony – but that hasn’t stopped the royals from marking the occasion early.

Charlene, 46, was the image of glamour in a dusky pastel jumpsuit, teamed with a silver clutch and heels. She styled her short blonde tresses into a chic updo. 

Elsewhere her husband Albert, 66, made a statement in a colourful rouge jacket with a striped tie to match.

Meanwhile, Mathilde, 51, was joined by her husband King Philippe as they officially opened the hotel ahead of the games.

The mother-of-four opted for a bright red button-up dress, which she paired with vibrant red stilettos. 

She completed her ensemble with a red clutch bag and she accessorised with gold earrings and an array of designer bangles.

Mathilde wore her golden blonde tresses down in her usual blow-dried bob and went for a natural makeup look. King Philippe looked typically smart in an inky black suit.

The Olympic Games will officially get underway this evening, which will be the first time in the history of the event that it has not been held inside a stadium.

And King Felipe was dapper as ever in a blazer and slacks, as the royals all posed for photos with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte.

The couple appeared in great spirits as they were given a tour around the new premises which is just a few minutes’ walk from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées.

Instead, it will take place outside of a closed stadium, with Paris to host a never before seen water parade for the Olympics.

Yesterday, Princess Anne touched down in Paris, with Queen Letizia of Spain, and Queen Mary all putting on glamorous appearances.

Queen Mary was joined by her husband King Frederik, 56, as they participated in the opening of the Danish pavilion at the Maison du Danemark in Champs-Elysees, which will be open throughout the games this summer.

Mary appeared the picture of health in a stunning red jumpsuit as she joined her husband Frederik to cut the ribbon for the official opening of the Danish pavillion.

She and Frederik greeted the president of the Olympic committee Thomas Bach in an atmospheric setting in front of the Louvre and the tournament’s famous rings.

Teaming her look with a white blazer, Mary was dressed in her country’s colours, sending a strong message of support to the team.

Joining the royals stepping out in Paris today was Princess Anne. It is part of a gradual return to royal duties for the 73-year-old since she was taken to hospital on June 23 with minor head wounds and concussion after walking around her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire. Her doctors believe her injuries to be consistent with being struck by a horse.

The Princess Royal, who is president of the British Olympic Association, visited Team GB’s pre-games training base in Saint-Germain-En-Laye earlier on Thursday.

Anne was the first British royal to compete in the Olympics herself, and could be seen wearing a Team GB sweatshirt herself in full support of the team.

She seemed back to her usual self and was in cheerful spirits as she met and shook hands with some of Britain’s brightest stars, including runners Keely Hodgkinson, Imani-Lara Lansiquot, and twins Laviai and Lina Nielsen.

Royal fans branded her a ‘royal rock star’ as she made an energetic return to engagements after her time away from the public spotlight.

Wednesday, she had wished Team GB’s stars ‘every bit of success and that it goes as well as you hope’ in a speech ahead of the Games.