Royal family hosts party for Britain's Rio Olympics heroes

The Duchess of Cambridge tells the athletes about Princess Charlotte's love of horses, while Prince Harry dishes out some hugs.

Tuesday 18 October 2016 21:48, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Royals congratulate Olympians and Paralympians
Why you can trust Sky News

Britain's Olympians and Paralympians have been congratulated on their success by members of the Royal family at a Buckingham Palace reception.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh hosted the party for medal winners of the 2016 Games in Rio.  

Also there were Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and the Duke of York.

The Duchess of Cambridge meets athletes during a reception for Team GB and ParalympicsGB medallists from the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games at Buckingham Palace in London
Image: The Duchess of Cambridge attended the reception, along with her husband and Prince Harry

The Duchess of Cambridge told the athletes that her daughter Princess Charlotte had inherited the royal love of horses, while older brother Prince George was a swimming fan.

Equestrian gold medallist Natasha Baker said of her conversation with the Duchess: "She emphasised that Charlotte has this passion about horses and, although she doesn't echo it, she'll do her best to champion and encourage it."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Hopes for Olympic parade to 'harness' inspiration

Husband William revealed how Kate had followed the hockey closely during the Games, saying to the women's team: "Catherine came bounding in when you won."

The Queen spoke for a long time with showjumper Nick Skelton, who said: "The Queen was asking about (his horse) Big Star and we were talking about her horse Dartmouth, who ran on Sunday in Canada.

More from UK

Athletes are congratulated for their efforts at the Olympics and Paralympics at a parade in London
Image: Before the royal reception, the athletes had an audience of thousands in London

"You don't need to give the Queen any advice, she's very knowledgeable about all equestrian sports. She can tell me a thing or two."

Paralympian and triple gold medallist Ellie Simmonds, meanwhile, was delighted when Prince Harry knelt down to give her a hug.

The Duchess of Cambridge meets the 2016 Olympians and Paralympians
Image: The Duchess of Cambridge meets the 2016 Olympians and Paralympians

She said: "I must have mentioned to someone I was really looking forward to meeting him and he just hugged me."

Team GB collected 27 golds among their medal total of 67 - two more than London 2012 - for their best-ever haul from an overseas Olympics. 

The Paralympics GB squad, meanwhile, returned from South America with 147 medals, including 64 golds.

Max Whitlock performs for the spectators during the Olympics & Paralympics Team GB - Rio 2016 Victory Parade at Trafalgar Square
Image: Gymnast Max Whitlock thrilled the crowd at the London parade

Gold medal winners included gymnast Max Whitlock, boxer Nicola Adams, tennis star Andy Murray, and Mo Farah, who became only the second man to retain the 5,000m and 10,000m titles.

Before their evening outing, the athletes attended a parade in London's Trafalgar Square following a similar event in Manchester where thousands of people came to show their support.