In a delightful surprise for Olympic fans, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, appeared alongside a notably scruffy Prince William in a special pre-recorded video celebrating the British Olympic team.
The video, posted on Kensington Palace’s Instagram account on August 11, just hours before the Closing Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, marked a rare public appearance for the Princess, who has largely remained out of the limelight due to her ongoing battle with cancer.
In the video, Kate Middleton sported a white and black striped sweater, reminiscent of one she wore in a March video where she first revealed her cancer diagnosis.
Her long brown hair was styled straight and loose, parted to the side, as she addressed the athletes with a heartfelt message.
“From all of us watching at home,” Kate began, “congratulations to Team GB.” Her appearance was a touching gesture of support for the athletes who had just completed an impressive run at the Games.
Standing beside her, Prince William donned a teal Team Great Britain polo shirt and sported facial hair for the first time in over a decade, adding a relaxed and casual look to his appearance.
“Well done on all you have achieved,” he said in the video, clearly proud of the athletes’ accomplishments. “You’ve been an inspiration to us all.”
The couple’s message was a celebration of the British team’s remarkable performance, which saw them secure 65 medals, including 14 golds, and finish third overall behind China and the United States.
The video post’s caption further praised Team GB’s dedication and achievements, reading: “Well done @teamgb, what an incredible journey! Every athlete showed immense dedication, heart, and passion. You made us all so proud! Here’s to celebrating every triumph at @paris2024 and looking forward to more from @paralympicsgb_official later in the summer.”
This gesture not only highlighted the couple’s support but also showcased their commitment to honoring and celebrating the achievements of British athletes.
The Closing Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics was a grand affair, filled with memorable moments and star-studded performances.
The ceremony featured an array of highlights, beginning with singer-songwriter Zaho de Sagazan, who kicked off the event with a moving rendition of “Sous le Ciel de Paris.”
French swimmer Leon Marchand played a central role by carrying the Olympic torch from Paris’ Jardin des Tuileries to the Stade de France, setting the stage for the grand finale.
The ceremony also saw notable appearances from American athletes Nick Mead and Katie Ledecky, who served as Team USA’s flag bearers.
Mead, the gold medal-winning rower, and Ledecky, who added four medals including two golds to her tally, were joined by fellow gold medalists Tara Davis-Woodhall and Trinity Rodman.
Davis-Woodhall, who excelled in the long jump, and Rodman, who triumphed in soccer, walked into the Stade de France alongside Team USA, showcasing their impressive achievements.
The closing ceremony continued with a poignant medal ceremony for the women’s marathon, featuring medalists Tigst Assefa, Sifan Hassan, and Hellen Obiri.
Hassan of Team Netherlands claimed gold, Assefa of Team Ethiopia earned silver, and Team Kenya’s Hellen Obiri took home the bronze, rounding off a thrilling track and field event.
One of the standout moments of the evening was the dramatic descent of a Golden Voyager into the Stade de France, adding an element of grandeur to the proceedings.
The pyrotechnics display that followed was nothing short of spectacular, illuminating the Parisian sky in a dazzling array of colors and lights.
Musical performances were a key feature of the Closing Ceremony, with French indie rock band Phoenix taking the stage to perform hits like “1901” and “Lisztomania.”
The ceremony also included a performance by Alain Roche, a Swiss pianist who played “Hymn to Apollo” while suspended in the air, and a rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” by French singer-songwriter Yseult to officially close the event.
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The transition of the Olympic flag to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games was another highlight, with Tom Cruise making an unforgettable entrance.
The Mission: Impossible star executed a daring stunt by free-falling into the Stade de France, before receiving the Olympic flag from Simone Biles and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Cruise’s performance was a thrilling prelude to a series of performances by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who performed on Venice Beach, and Finneas and Billie Eilish, who continued the festivities with their hit “Birds of a Feather.”
Snoop Dogg, who had served as a special Olympics correspondent, also played a role in rounding out the LA28 handoff, adding his signature flair to the celebration.
The ceremony concluded with a spectacular light show, marking the official end of the 2024 Paris Olympics and setting the stage for the next chapter in Olympic history.
Kate Middleton’s rare appearance in the video, coupled with the stunning highlights of the Closing Ceremony, underscored the significance of the 2024 Paris Olympics and the excitement surrounding the upcoming Los Angeles Games.
