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Prince Albert lights Olympic flame in Greece


March 31, 2004
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Former Olympic bobsledder Prince Albert of Monaco said he was "privileged" to participate in the torch relay on Wednesday, leading up to this summer's games in Greece.

Dressed in a blue and white Olympic shirt, shorts and trainers, the Monegasque royal carried the flame on the island of Aegina near Athens as the torch wound up its six-day journey around Greece. Thousands of torch bearers – including high profile celebs such as Angelina Jolie – are set to relay the sporting symbol around the world in the run-up the Olympics, set to take place this August.

"The Olympic torch has such an incredible meaning and unites people in a way that probably no other symbol does right now," said Prince Albert. "That's a tremendous feeling and a wonderful ceremony to be a part of."

The flame, now in Athens, will continue to burn in the capital city until June 4. At that time it will begin a global trek, which includes six continents and 27 countries, covering a total of about 78,000 kilometres. The torch will finish its journey by returning to Athens, where the Olympic cauldron will be lit for the games August 13 to 29.

Photo: © Alphapress.com
Prince Albert is one of 11,000 people who will carry the torch in Greece and around the worldPhoto: © AFPy
Photo: © Alphapress.com
The Monegasque royal has competed in the Olympics as a bobsledder in the pastPhoto: © AFP

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