The royals know a thing or two about etiquette – they have an uncanny knack of remaining poised, graceful and keeping their very best face forward no matter what the circumstance.
Well, that goes for almost any circumstance. You see, the royal family are much like the rest of us when it comes to sport.
Ever had that unmistakable, heart-racing, blood-pumping adreniline rush as your beloved team competes in a neck-and-neck game that conquers even the toughest of onlookers’ nails?
We can bet you have – and the royals are no different.
The funny thing is, while we ourselves can be all over the shop when it comes to keeping our cool in front of a real nail biter, the royals are certified kings and queens at remaining calm under pressure.
Well, for the most part anyway.
To catch an eyeful of the royals getting stuck into some good-hearted competitive sports, we rounded up their best moments from the track and field over the years.
1989 Annual mum’s race Wetherby
Diana was known for her iconic sporty outfits (bike shorts, anyone?), but her sporting prowess went much further than that. She was pictured at an annual mum’s race in Wetherby in 1989 gunning it for the finish line.
1991 Mum’s Day race
Two years later, she was back in full force – only Lady Di could make running in a skirt and bare feet look so graceful.
Princess Diana competes in a school fair race in 1991
Usain 2012
Prince Harry certainly inhertited his mother’s competitive streak! During a visit to Jamaica in 2012, the prince went head to head against running champion Usain Bolt… and he won!
Usain 2012
Okay, so maybe Usain went a little easy on the prince, but that didn’t stop them from striking his iconic pose to finish it off.
Prince harry takes on Usain Bolt in a running race
Olympics 2012
The 2012 London Olympics had everyone on the edge of their seat – including Wills and Kate!
Wimbledon 2014
Ever the tennis fans, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge got right into the atmosphere at the Wimbledon Championships in 2014.
Wimbledon 2014
Kate’s level of care was sky high that day.
Tour de France 2014
At the 2014 Tour de France, the golden trio, AKA Kate, Wills and Harry watched on with intrigue.
NZ 2014
And during the royal’s tour of New Zealand, the sporty Duchess tried her hand at sailing. She’s really showering us with confidence here…
Wildcats Girl’ Football programme on July 13, 2017
Prince William took his job as goal keeper very seriously during a visit to a girls soccer program in 2017.
heads together 2017
Launching their mental health charity Heads Together in 2017, Kate and Wills joined Harry in a thrilling race that drew every eye in the vicinity.
Heads together 2017
If he can beat Usain Bolt, he sure as heck could beat his brother and sister-in-law.
2017
Harry for the win!
Heads together 2017
Graceful Kate remarkably kept her poise the whole time.
meghan footy melbourne 2018
During her royal tour of Australia in 2018, Duchess Meghan had a go at punting an AFL-approved football. Patrick Dangerfield eat your heart out…
Maserati Royal Charity Polo Trophy 2018
And onto the next generation! Prince George is a budding soccer player himself – as he’s proved a fair few times over the years, including this 2018 appearance at the polo.
Maserati Royal Charity Polo Trophy 2018
And Charlotte is right there with him. We’re pretty sure she’ll manage to beat George at running one of these days.
Polo 2019
Fast-forward one year later and she was already onto it! The Cambridge siblings were spotted having a good old-fashioned kick around at the polo.
Wimbledon 2019
Another year, another Wimbledon nail biter. Kate and Wills were pictured looking stressed, then excited, then stressed, then surprised as they watched the grand final in 2019.
London Marathon 2019
Prince Harry might be a good runner himself, but he’s all about celebrating talent all round – he was pictured with the winners of the London Marathon that same year.
King’s Cup regatta 2019
William tried not to rub in the fact that he beat wife Catherine at the annual King’s Cup regatta in 2019… emphasis on tried, might we add.
Football 2019
The family was later pictured attending a football match together, and Prince George’s meme-worthy reaction to his team scoring was all the motivation we needed to get through another week. Check it out in the player below…
Prince George’s reaction to his favourite football team scoring will make you smile
Ireland 2020
During their royal tour of Ireland in 2020, Kate and Wills partook in hurling and Gaelic football… to varying degrees of success.
Ireland 2020 – hurling and gaelic football
Winners are grinners! Kate was clearly chuffed with her performance – and Wills’ support was an added bonus.
