After queen stars in London Olympic opening, princess laments athletes' marginalized role

Published January 08, 2015

Princess Anne of Britain says Olympic opening ceremonies have become excessive, two years after her mother starred in the London show.

The princess lamented to fellow IOC members that athletes have become an "add on."

The 80-minute London show created by film director Danny Boyle was hugely popular in Britain.

It included a rare and surprise acting role by Queen Elizabeth II alongside James Bond actor Daniel Craig.

Their filmed scene concluded with a parachute jump from a helicopter by stuntmen dressed as the pair, who landed in the Olympic Stadium.

The princess, who competed in equestrian at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, says she is "old enough to remember when the opening ceremony was only the athletes."

She says "the balance has gone too far the other way."

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