As if the Summer Olympics were not exciting enough, the International Olympic Committee honored London with hosting duties this year. Then, as if of two weeks of non-stop television coverage of my favorite city in the world wasn’t enough, the young royals stepped up to the plate as Team GB Olympic Ambassadors. Bottom line, if I could take two weeks off from work to do nothing but watch the Games..I would. Okay, if I’m wishing for things just give me a first class ticket to London with VIP passes to all of the main events.
So, if Aladdin’s magic lamp appeared on my front porch today and Genie sent me off to London, what events would I want complete access to? Lucky for me, William, Catherine and Harry made that decision very easy as the palace released the complete list of the events they will be attending yesterday.
To kick things off, Queen Elizabeth II will officially open the 2012 Summer Olympic Games at Friday’s opening ceremony, accompanied by senior members of the firm. This would actually be the perfect occasion for William to wear his signature navy suit and maroon tie that he wears 99% of the time. (Sorry Will!) I am also really hoping to see Kate in red – what do you think?
Over the next couple of weeks, the three musketeers will be actively participating in all aspects of the Games, from attending sporting events to meeting athletes and behind-the-scenes workers in the Olympic Village. If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the young royals, look no further than the following itinerary:
Prince Harry
• 30 July – Equestrian events at Greenwich, men’s 10m diving and visit Team GB House
• 31 July – Equestrian events at Greenwich and awarding of medals, visit the Athletes’ Village
• 2 August – School Games reception at Clarence House
• 3 August – Equestrian, Greenwich
• 5 August – Athletics and men’s 100m final, Olympic Park
• 8 August – Beach Volleyball, Horseguards Parade
• 9 August – Team GB visit. Athletics, Olympic Park
• 12 August – Closing Ceremony
Prince William
• 28 July/29 July – Equestrian events at Greenwich
• 29 July – Team GB Football at Wembley
• 30 July – Equestrian events at Greenwich and visit Team GB House
• 31 July – Equestrian events at Greenwich and awarding of medals, visit the Athletes’ Village
• 2 – August Tennis at Wimbledon
• 3 – August Equestrian dressage, Greenwich. Swimming, Olympic Park
• 5 – August Athletics including men’s 100m final at Olympic Park
Catherine
• 30 July – Equestrian events, Greenwich. Reception at The Royal Academy of Arts
• 2 August – Tennis at Wimbledon
• 3 August – Swimming at Olympic Park
• 4 August – Hockey at Olympic Park
• 5 August – Athletics at Olympic Park and Gymnastics and visit Team GB House
• 6 August – Sailing, Weymouth.
• 9 August – Synchronised Swimming, Olympic Park
• 11 August – Men’s 10m Diving, Olympic Park.
• 12 August – Closing Ceremony
As you can see, you are bound to catch Princes William and Harry and Duchess Catherine on almost any given day throughout the Olympics. Although Harry and Catherine will be among the family members in attendance for the closing ceremony and at this point, William will not.
Prince Charles and his wife, The Duchess of Cornwall, will also take part in the sporting festivities at the end of July, including cycling, badminton and equestrian.
Don’t forget – Zara Phillips will be competing as part of Team GB’s equestrian team, so you will also see her mother, Princess Anne, showing her support.
Of course, all royal appearances are subject to change. Prince Harry could always end up whisking away the losing pair at women’s volleyball on a romantic getaway and never returning. William could decide to jump back in the pool and try to make it as a professional water polo player. Kate could pick up a hockey stick and trade in royal life for the chance at gold. One out of the three has the potential to actually happen.
And if we are all very lucky, maybe there will be a repeat of my favorite royal moment of 2012.
Chris Jackson, Getty Images
Keep Calm and Harry On 