Princess Royal to open Orkney's Island Games

The Princess Royal will officially open the 20th International Island Games in Orkney this summer.

Princess Anne will attend the opening of the week-long event at Kirkwall's Bignold Park on 12 July.

She will join TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, who will be hosting the ceremony in her role as Games Ambassador.

About 2,000 athletes from 24 island groups will be competing in 12 sports including football, athletics, archery and swimming.

It is the first time in their history that Orkney has hosted the Island Games.

Participating islands include Shetland and the Western Isles with other athletes coming from as far away as the Falkland Islands, Greenland and the Caribbean.

Kirsty Talbot, director of Orkney 2025, said: "We are incredibly honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to Orkney to open the 20th International Island Games."

She added that anticipation was now "ramping up" for an event which could "showcase the vibrant spirit and culture" of the area.