It’s not every day you’re chosen to carry the flag for your country at the Olympic Games, but British tennis pro Andy Murray might be wishing he had practised a little more beforehand!
A hilarious new video shows the 2016 Wimbledon champ almost whacking Princess Anne with the flag as he struggled to hold it aloft during a Team GB photo session in Rio.
As the hapless 29-year-old struggled to position the flag in a way that would not cut off either himself or Princess Anne next to him, a man can be heard shouting directions, much to the amusement of the other athletes.
“Just drop it a little bit Andy, because we’re blocking HRH. Andy, just raise the flag up a little bit, between the two of you,” he says, later adding, “Down a touch. That’s it! That’s it!”
Princess Anne joined in on the laughter as Andy Murray struggled to hold the flag at Team GB’s group photo in Rio. Photo: Getty
The awkwardness of the moment wasn’t lost on the Princess, either, as the royal joined in with the good-natured laughter as Andy kept adjusting the flag. At one point, she even popped down behind the flag completely, pretending to hide behind the fabric.
Of course, Princess Anne isn’t the only royal making an appearance in support of her team at the Games this year.
Danish royal Princess Mary recently opened up about her allegiance to both Denmark and her native Australia, confessing she would be “absolutely support Australians”, “so long as they’re not competing against a Dane”.
The Princess and her husband, Prince Frederik, touched down in Rio earlier this week to cheer on the Danish athletes.
Princess Mary was greeted by a crowd of children when she visited shantytown Jacarepagua in Rio this week, ahead of Friday’s Opening Ceremony.
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Prince Harry, recently released their own messages of support for Team GB athletes at the Games this year.
“London 2012 showcased the best of British sport, and we are so excited to see what can be achieved in Rio,” Duchess Catherine said.
Check out their message in the video player below.
