Camilla reveals she was brought to tears as she apologies for missing major event attended by Princess Anne
Queen Camilla reveals Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic equestrian stars brought “tears to the eyes” as she hosted a reception at Clarence House on Wednesday evening.
The 77-year-old royal, who serves as patron of the British Equestrian Federation, was in high spirits as she welcomed dozens of team members to celebrate their success at the Paris 2024 Games.
Her Majesty stunned in a navy blue tunic dress, accessorised with a heart pendant and Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet.
During the celebratory gathering, the Queen met with Paralympic champions and Olympic medallists, along with their support staff, who she apologised to for missing the summer games.
Addressing the gathering, Queen Camilla shared her enthusiasm for the teams’ performances.
She said: “It made us all feel very proud to be British.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there but I was watching very keenly every bit of it on the television and it really did bring tears to the eyes.”
Her Majesty added: “Thank you to the whole team for what you do and let’s keep British best.”
Team GB enjoyed remarkable success at the Paris Games, securing their first Olympic mixed team jumping gold medal since London 2012 at the Chateau de Versailles as well as claiming bronze in the team dressage competition.
The Paralympic team delivered an outstanding performance, amassing 14 medals in para equestrian events.
In total, the teams secured 12 medals across both games, with every athlete bringing home at least one medal.
During the reception, the Queen received a touching gift from five-year-old Ziggy, daughter of Olympic gold medallist Ros Canter.
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The young girl’s drawing included a note saying she would like to be a princess, prompting the Queen to respond: “That’s very sweet. Tell her I will send her a letter.”
Her Majesty also shared a light moment with Paralympic dressage medallist Natasha Baker, who revealed to the Queen that she keeps her medals in socks to fit them in her handbag without making noise, which Camilla found “hilarious,” according to the Paralympian.
The evening concluded with British Equestrian Foundation chief executive Jim Eyre presenting the Queen with a book of photographs from the Paris games by Jon Stroud.
While Camilla missed the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events, Princess Anne travelled to the French capital for the International Olympic Committee summit.