There are many things to admire about Princess Beatrice, from her charity work to her heart-warming approach to step-parenting, but there's one specific achievement that sets her apart from the other royals.
In 2010, Sarah Ferguson's daughter became the first royal ever to complete the London Marathon, running the gruelling 26.2-mile race in honour of the Children in Crisis charity. Not only did Beatrice run the race, but she also completed it dressed as a caterpillar!
The royal was one of 33 runners who made up a human caterpillar, decked out in a neon green skirt and a hat with her name on it – nobody can say Bea isn't a good sport!
The Princess of Wales addressed her reasons for not running the famous race, despite being a keen runner, during the launch of the Heads Together campaign in 2016.
Princess Beatrice ran the London Marathon in 2010
Journalist Bryony Gordon later revealed to Runner's World that she had asked the royal if she would do the run, to which Kate answered: "Oh no, security and all that."
Princess Beatrice celebrates after finishing the London Marathon
The Duchess of Edinburgh tried her hand at the challenging run in 2020, taking on the first mile and a half of the virtual London Marathon, in honour of the charity Mencap, of which she is a patron.
A congratulatory hug from her mother Sarah after the race
Despite the pouring rain, Sophie donned her sportswear and took to the streets of Windsor to complete her portion of the marathon. Look back at the moment in the clip below...
WATCH: Sophie runs the first 1.5 miles of the London Marathon Princess Beatrice reportedly trained for her marathon in similarly unpleasant conditions, with her trainer Nadiya Fairweather explaining: "We trained in snow, we trained in rain, we trained in mud, we trained in everything. She was committed."
Are you running the London Marathon?
Running the TCS London Marathon? Don't miss out on the post-run perks the city has to offer on 21 April 2024.
- Race-day travel is free for any runners travelling to and from the marathon. Simply show your race number or medal on the Underground, Overground, bus network, TfL Rail, and DLR to hitch a free ride.
- Barry's - London's favourite bootcamp - will be hosting a London Marathon after party at its SW1 studio featuring live music and refreshments. Marathon runners can drop in for a free HERMOSA protein shake from the Barry's Fuel Bar by showing their medal. It's free to join by signing up here.
- Deliveroo has partnered with Boots to bring marathon runners the ultimate post-run care via the 'Marathon Roo-covery hub'. Order everything from protein bars and snacks for refuelling after the finish line to Epsom salts for the ultimate muscle relaxation and mini-massagers to alleviate muscle and joint soreness to your door. The first 1981 (a nod to the marathon's debut) people to use code ROOCOVERY10 on Deliveroo app or website via Boots will get £10 off orders over £20.
- Fresh pasta restaurant, Pastaio will be giving runners just what they’ll need on race day, offering a free plate of pasta for all medal holders on London Marathon Dayl. Simply show your medal at the restaurant on 19 Ganton St, Carnaby.
- For years, Bill's has welcomed London marathon runners through its doors on race day with the promise of a free burger and drink - just show your medal at any of the 10 restaurants in London to claim your post-run carbs.
- Urban's at-home wellness services deliver expert therapists straight to your door, making the service an ideal treat for post-marathon recovery. Book everything from physiotherapy to sports massages on the app, reducing the risk of injury and speeding up your recovery.
- Treat yourself to a free Argentinian Rib Eye Steak at Heliot Steak House or a Claire Heliot Burger whilst taking in the wonderful views across Soho from The Hippodrome Rooftop on 21 and 22 April. Just show your race medal to claim.
- What better way to recuperate and recharge your body after intense weeks of training and a strict diet, than with a luxurious stay and an abundance of delicious food at five-star boutique hotel, London Marriott Park Lane, with its indulging Bed, Breakfast & Bubbles package, and it's not even far from the finishing line.
Thousands of runners will take to the streets of the capital for the London Marathon on Sunday 21 April, setting off in Greenwich and Blackheath before heading towards Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, and then Embankment, Westminster and The Mall for the finish line.
LISTEN: Princess Beatrice's involvement in Prince Andrew's Newsnight interview
