King Charles sends heartfelt message to British Paralympians – ‘inspiring, encouraging and lifting the hearts of all’
The King has sent his “heartfelt congratulations” to the Paralympian athletes from Team GB.
It comes as the Paralympics are set to close tonight with Paralympic champions and Games debutants Matt Bush and Poppy Maskill carrying the Team GB flag.
The King paid tribute to the team in Paris saying they were “inspiring, encouraging and lifting the hearts of all.”
Team GB finished in second in the medals table behind China and above the United States.
The King’s message to Paralympians said: “As this wonderful summer of sport comes to a close in Paris, my wife joins me in sending our heartfelt congratulations to the Paralympian athletes from Great Britain and Northern Ireland – and from across the whole Commonwealth – for their numerous successes at this year’s Games.
“Behind every medal won lies a wonderful story of courage, commitment and true talent, matched by a determination that has taken you to the very top.
“We rejoice in your victories, while saluting and celebrating all those who have taken part, as well as thanking the support teams who play such a special part in your achievements.
“Your example has succeeded in inspiring, encouraging and lifting the hearts of all. Charles R”
The royal account previously shared a message from the Duke of Edinburgh wishing the athletes good luck ahead of the Games last month.
Chef de mission Penny Briscoe expects the standard of the Paralympics to “continue to creep up” after Great Britain retained second place in the medal table at Paris 2024.
Britain were once again the best of the rest as China continued their domination of the Games by securing 94 golds as part of a remarkable total of 220.
Britain, who have now finished runners-up at six of the last seven summer Paralympics, will return home with 124 medals – 49 gold, 44 silver and 31 bronze.
The overall tally is the same as the team managed at Tokyo 2020, albeit there have been eight more golds this time around.
Briscoe paid tribute to the achievements of British athletes ahead of tonight’s closing ceremony at Stade de France, while warning against complacency looking ahead to Los Angeles in 2028.
She said: “What a Games it’s been. I’m incredibly proud of the achievements of our athletes, who really did show just how competitive we are as a team across a broad range of sports and impairment groups.
“The standards set at this Games were exceptional and medals and personal bests have never been more hard-fought. To deliver 124 medals, including an incredible 49 golds, is a testimony to the talent of our athletes, the quality of their preparation and the dedication of those who support them.
“I’m so incredibly proud of each and every athlete for creating so many memorable moments for the nation, but also for global audiences to enjoy.”