1 APRIL 2004
Former Olympic bobsledder Prince Albert of Monaco said he was "privileged" to participate in the torch relay on Wednesday, leading up to this summer's games in Greece.

Dressed in a blue and white Olympic shirt, shorts and trainers, the Monegasque royal carried the flame on the island of Aegina near Athens as the torch wound up its six-day journey around Greece. Thousands of torch bearers – including high profile celebs such as Angelina Jolie – are set to relay the sporting symbol around the world in the run-up the Olympics, set to take place this August.

"The Olympic torch has such an incredible meaning and unites people in a way that probably no other symbol does right now," said Prince Albert. "That's a tremendous feeling and a wonderful ceremony to be a part of."

The flame, now in Athens, will continue to burn in the capital city until June 4. At that time it will begin a global trek, which includes six continents and 27 countries, covering a total of about 78,000 kilometres. The torch will finish its journey by returning to Athens, where the Olympic cauldron will be lit for the games August 13 to 29.