Kate and Prince William risk overshadowing Prince Edward's royal role
PRINCE Edward's Paralympic role is at risk of being overshadowed by Kate and Prince William.
Prince Edward sends well wishes ahead of the Paralympic Games
The Earl of Wessex, who is patron of ParalympicsGB, wished athletes good luck ahead of the Tokyo Games. But the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge later posted their own message of support at risk of eclipsing Edward.
The Earl's video message was posted on the Royal Family's Twitter and Instagram as Edward does not have his own social media accounts.
He said: "As the moment this year's Paralympic Games in Tokyo gets ever closer to actually getting underway, I want to wish you the very best of luck.
"While parts of the experience will be slightly surreal, in particular the lack of any spectators, I hope these won't detract from the main purpose, which is of course the competition.
"You can be sure that your family, friends and supporters will be there in spirit, following it all on a screen and expending plenty of energy and frustration by shouting at it, fruitlessly.
"We all send you massive congratulations on being selected.
"You now have the chance to compete against the very best in the world, and indeed, to win.
"And more importantly, we want you to go out there and to achieve your best, make us proud, and inspire the next generation of athletes with a disability.
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"And whatever happens, I hope you have a brilliant experience in Japan.
"The Paralympic Games is a unique event, and the Japanese will undoubtedly try to make it a memorable one for you and your fellow competitors.
"So enjoy the moment and once again good luck."
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Wishing @ParalympicsGB and all the athletes from around the world the best of luck in this year's #Paralympics.
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) August 24, 2021
We can’t wait to see the talent and skill displayed over the next two weeks #ImpossibleToIgnore
William and Kate, who are known for their love of sport, shared their message on their Kensington Royal Twitter page.
The couple said: "Wishing ParalympicsGB and all the athletes from around the world the best of luck in this year's #Paralympics.
"We can't wait to see the talent and skill displayed over the next two weeks #ImpossibleToIgnore."
The messages from the royals come as a British team made up of 227 athletes across 19 of the 22 Paralympic sports is gearing up to compete in Japan.
The Games, with the sporting action starting on Wednesday, will feature 539 events across 22 sports hosted at 21 venues, but spectators are barred because of the pandemic.
William and Kate previously tweeted about the Olympics which came to a close earlier this month.