The Paris Olympics kicked off with an unforgettable opening ceremony, highlighted by a performance from Celine Dion and attended by royalty from around the globe.
Thousands gathered at the Place du Trocadero, including kings, queens, and princesses, to witness the historic event.
Royalty from various nations filled the stands for a ceremony like no other, though their reactions to the depiction of Marie Antoinette’s beheading remained unseen. Fortunately for current European monarchs, they were situated away from this scene at the Conciergerie, which featured flaming torches reminiscent of the revolution that imprisoned Marie Antoinette.
For the first time, the Summer Olympics' opening event was held outside a stadium. Despite heavy rain beginning as the ceremony started, the celebratory spirit in central Paris remained undampened.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain were among the first to share selfies from the grandstand, capturing the moment just before the skies opened. Later, they were seen wearing clear plastic ponchos provided to guests to shield them from the downpour.
Queen Mary of Denmark came prepared with a stylish raincoat, avoiding the need for a poncho. She and King Frederik sat with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, who shared a laugh as the Dutch king struggled to don his poncho gracefully.
The previous evening, King Willem-Alexander humorously apologized for arriving ten minutes early to the Olympic gala at the Louvre, displaying his eagerness to attend.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who traveled by train from Brussels, arrived just before a disruption in the French rail network. They spent the day celebrating Belgian sport and culture in Paris and were among the most enthusiastic royal fans, cheering throughout the ceremony.
Prince Albert II of Monaco, dressed in a red blazer and white trousers, needed assistance to stay dry. Princess Charlene, in an all-white jumpsuit, fared slightly better in the rain. The couple, both former Olympians, brought their nine-year-old twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, for a taste of the Games.
The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg were prominent attendees, with Grand Duchess Maria Teresa sharing a behind-the-scenes glimpse on Instagram, showing the royals enjoying coffee, wine, and conversation with Queen Letizia and Queen Mathilde.
Princess Anne, an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, was notably absent, with the UK's new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, leading the country’s representation. Sir Keir, like Queen Mary, was prepared for the weather with a navy raincoat.
While the Louvre gala was a royal spectacle, the opening ceremony focused on athletes and their upcoming feats. Teams were introduced via a river parade, receiving massive cheers. Zinedine Zidane and Rafael Nadal were enthusiastically welcomed as they carried the Olympic flame, their joy evident.
As a hot air balloon lifted the Olympic symbol into the Paris sky, Celine Dion’s performance of "Hymne à L'Amour" became an instant classic, marking a memorable Olympic moment. The royals, wrapped in their ponchos (except for Queen Mary with her coat), joined in the festivities, celebrating the spirit of sport in Paris. Photo by Anne Jea., Wikimedia commons.
