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.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
