How an unknown prince opened the Paris Olympic Games

When French President Emmanuel Macron declared the 2024 Paris Olympic Games open, many did not realise that a prince had officially opened the Games.

While France overthrew their monarchy in 1870 (for the final time), the President of France actually holds the title of co-Prince of Andorra.

Andorra is a landlocked country, believed to have been created by Charlemagne, bordered by France and Spain.

The President of France and the Bishop of Urgell (in Catalonia, Spain) serve as the co-princes of the Principality of Andorra. As such, French President Emmanuel Macron and Bishop Joan-Enric Vives i Sicília are the current princes. Macron has held the role since May 2017 and Sicília has held the role since May 2003. 

Screenshot/Fair Use

President Macron declared the 2024 Olympic Games open during the rain-soaked Opening Ceremony on 26 July.

The Olympic Torch was then officially lit, signifying the start of the Olympic Games.

Unfortunately for Macron and France, the Opening Ceremony has been widely criticised for its poor sound and controversial performances. The President of France has appeared to disagree with the criticism and said that the event made France “extremely proud.”