The Royal Family has several members with sporty credentials, but only one has ever actually completed the gruelling 26-mile London Marathon route – and they set a record in the process
Princess Beatrice takes part in the London Marathon in 2010(Image: Getty Images)
The Royal Family has its fair share of athletic members, but only one Royal can boast about completing the London Marathon – and she didn’t just finish it, she set a record too.
That Royal is none other than Princess Beatrice, who took on the marathon in 2010 for her mum Sarah Ferguson’s charity, Children in Crisis.
Beatrice was part of a group of 34 runners who formed a human caterpillar, tied together as they navigated the route.
Read more Joel Dommett collapses during London Marathon and ‘wakes up in ambulance’
Among those joining her were then-boyfriend Dave Clarke and pals Sam and Holly Branson.
For the race, Beatrice sported a bright tutu and sweatbands, and was snapped celebrating with her medal after crossing the finish line.
Impressively, the group smashed the record for the most people to complete a marathon while tied together.
While they’ve never personally taken on the marathon, both the Prince and Princess of Wales made a special appearance at the London Marathon in 2017.
The couple cheered on participants from a water station, helping to rally support for the ‘Heads Together’ mental health charity, reports the Mirror.
They handed out high-fives and selfies to the crowd, having earlier kicked off the event by pressing a large red button.
However, they got more than they bargained for when handing out water to thirsty athletes – as some runners playfully squirted them with their bottles.
During the London Marathon, some of the 39,000 competitors stopped to shake hands and snap selfies, but when a few playful attendees decided to spray water, not everyone was impressed as droplets landed on their jackets.
Kate, who has battled cancer and is now in remission, has expressed her desire to participate in the 26.2-mile race, but her responsibilities prevent it.
Journalist Bryony Gordon, familiar with Kate and herself a marathon finisher, shared an interaction with the Royal about the event.
Speaking to Runner’s World, Bryony recounted: “I can’t remember exactly what happened, but I was like, ‘Are you going to run the marathon?’
“And she was like, ‘Oh I can’t because security is a bit difficult.’ But I was like, ‘Sure, yeah, yeah, good excuse! If I can do it, anyone can.'”.
In contrast, the Duchess of Edinburgh actively took part in the socially distanced 2020 marathon, completing 1.5 miles in heavy rain alongside one of the 45,000 participants.
She joined Tomas, raising money for Mencap – a charity she supports as patron – which aids 1.5 million people with learning disabilities across the UK, advocating for improved social care, healthcare, employment, and financial support.