It was a day of Commonwealth Games in Birmingham for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Princess Charlotte.
If I'm not mistaken, it's the first solo engagement we've seen Charlotte undertake with her parents. Over the weekend, the seven-year-old joined William to wish the Lionesses the best of luck and today she's enjoying inspiring sporting feats at the Games. Charlotte was cute as a button in a breton stripe Rachel Riley dress.
It's been a year of meticulous planning, and Birmingham Sport shared an insight into their vision for hosting the Games: "Birmingham 2022 will shine a light on this vibrant corner of the Commonwealth and work to improve health and wellbeing. This is an event that will help the West Midlands to grow and succeed, be a catalyst for change, and foster the spirit of friendship, athleticism and competition. This is a Games for everyone, a level playing field for men and women with a fully integrated para-sports programme, and a huge emphasis on the Commonwealth’s youth. There is no better stage to showcase the world’s most inclusive, fair and progressive multi-sport event."
The Commonwealth Games bring nations together in a vibrant celebration of sport and human endurance. The Games have evolved dramatically since beginning in 1930. Held every four years, with a hiatus during World War II, the Games have grown from featuring 11 countries and 400 athletes, to a global spectacle of 4,600 sportspeople from across 72 nations and territories. Underpinned by the core values of humanity, equality and destiny, the Games aim to unite the Commonwealth family through a glorious festival of sport. Often referred to as the ‘Friendly Games’, the event is renowned for inspiring athletes to compete in the spirit of friendship and fair play.
More on highlights over the years from Commonwealth Sport:
'At the 1954 Vancouver Games, Roger Bannister and John Landy became the first people to break the four-minute mile in a race that became known as the ‘Miracle Mile’.
Chantal Petitclerc became the first gold medal winner in a para-sport in 2002. An occasion that marked the first time an event for an athlete with a disability had been part of the official programme.
And women’s boxing became a mainstay of the Commonwealth Games in 2014 with Team England’s Nicola Adams taking the first gold medal in the flyweight division.
The encouraging ethos of the Games has stirred athletes to sprint faster, leap higher and push themselves to the very limits of what the human body is capable of.'
Charlotte looked delighted to greet Perry the Games Mascot. Perry was designed by 10-year-old Emma from Greater Manchester following a national contest.
The trio enjoyed the swimming heats at Sandwell Aquatics Centre.
Scenes at the pool.
The Cambridges also took the opportunity to check in with Kate's patronage SportsAid.
TRH The Duchess and Duke of Cambridge are celebrating SportsAid’s support for talented young athletes and championing the ground-breaking #TeamEnglandFutures programme at the #Birmingham2022 Commonwealth Games. They have just arrived at SportsAid House with Princess Charlotte! pic.twitter.com/IgWAej3nGf
— SportsAid (@TeamSportsAid) August 2, 2022
SportsAid is the only national charity of its kind -- helping young British sportsmen and women aspiring to be the country's next Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth and World champions. Every year, SportsAid supports over 1,000 athletes -- the vast majority aged 12-18 -- by providing a financial award to help with training and competition costs. The charity also helps develop other vital skills for professional athletes, such as media training, nutritional advice and performance lifestyle guidance. Kate has been patron of the charity since 2013.
The Duchess, Duke and Princess Charlotte have just watched @TeamEngland volleyball stars @TeamBelloVolley jump on two ‘Smoothie Bikes’ for a race! You choose the ingredients for your nutritious drink and blitz them by pedal power….Joaquin with a narrow win!#TeamEnglandFutures pic.twitter.com/sWpfohXLhH
— SportsAid (@TeamSportsAid) August 2, 2022
Almost two-thirds of the British team at London 2012 were former -- and in some cases current -- recipients of SportsAid’s support, winning twenty Olympic and twenty-seven Paralympic gold medals between them. Alumni include Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Ben Ainslie and Paula Radcliffe MBE. The organization celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2016. Their support for British Athletes throughout the Commonwealth Games has been invaluable.
The Duchess, Duke and Princess Charlotte have just watched @TeamEngland volleyball stars @TeamBelloVolley jump on two ‘Smoothie Bikes’ for a race! You choose the ingredients for your nutritious drink and blitz them by pedal power….Joaquin with a narrow win!#TeamEnglandFutures pic.twitter.com/sWpfohXLhH
— SportsAid (@TeamSportsAid) August 2, 2022
They met coaches.
The trio meeting competitors.
A team photo.
Big smiles all round.
They also stopped in on the hockey.
The Countess of Wessex is patron of England Hockey and was in attendance again today with Edward, Louise and James.
A group photo with gymnasts Alice Kinsella and Ondine Achampong.
The Duchess wore her crisp white Alexander McQueen suit.
Kate wore her Camilla Elphick Alicia shoes.
Kate accessorised with her Mappin & Webb Empress jewellery.
I'll leave you with this lovely mother-daughter photo. It was a treat to see the little Princess today :)
I wouldn't rule out the possibility of another Commonwealth Games appearance.