While there was little Royal presence in Rio this Olympics, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, has sent her best wishes to the women’s hockey team ahead of their gold medal clash with the Netherlands this evening.
In a personal video, filmed in the hills just behind Balmoral Castle, the Countess recorded her message. She said:
The Countess of Wessex sends good luck to the women’s hockey team in a video from Balmoral – the castle is visible behind her (Royal Famaily twitter)
“Hi girls. Well done! Congratulations, you’re in the finals! This is everything you’ve worked for. It’s fantastic, I’m so proud of you.
“I’ll be watching tomorrow night. I’m just so sad I cannot be with you – but I’m there in spirit,” Sophie said.
“Good luck, take care. I hope everybody’s okay from last night,” perhaps referring to any celebrations the team may have had after their 3-0 win over New Zealand.
“And bring it home! Well done!” her message ended.
BALMORAL AND BIRKHALL – THE ROYAL SUMMER HOLIDAY
At London 2012, the women’s team took the bronze medal, losing out on the top two spots to Argentina and the Netherlands who took gold.
The 51-year-old is spending time with her extended family, including her mother-in-law The Queen, at Balmoral. August is the time the Royal schedule goes quiet and the Royal Family take time off to relax, often in the Scottish Highlands.
Good luck to @_GBHockey for tonight’s #Rio2016 final @TeamGB #BringOnTheGreat pic.twitter.com/pRWRGeJoDB
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) August 19, 2016
Back in April she met the hockey team and had a go at training – before almost hitting the press pack with a shot she made! The Countess has had a long association with Team GB’s hockey teams, being Royal Patron of England Hockey since 2007.
Sophie may be continuing her training up in the Highlands, as she prepares to cycle 445 miles from Holyrood to Buckingham Palace next month.
