Team GB athletes in the Olympic Games have been making the same blunder when singing the national anthem God Save The King – and it’s making many feel emotional
Video Unavailable
Buckingham Palace: Crowds chant ‘god save the King’ for Charles’ coronation
It’s the first time God Save The Queen hasn’t been sung at the Olympic Games for decades.
Following the passing of the beloved Queen Elizabeth II, the lyrics have been changed to pay homage to King Charles.
Unsurprisingly, after years of singing the national anthem the old way, some Olympians have been fluffing their lines on the podium.
Bryony Page scooped Team GB’s first ever gold medal in trampolining – and celebrated her incredible achievement with the runners up and cheering crowds.
She looked delighted as she sang along to the national anthem – and as emotions were running high, it’s no surprise that the new words slipped her mind.
One viewer at home tweeted: “Just watched GB/NI’s Bryony Page on the podium with her trampolining Gold & you can see she’s been doing this a while as she sang ‘God save our gracious Queen’ in the first line then realised immediately what she’d done and emphasised *King* in the second and following lines.”
Another said: “Bryony Page forgetting and singing God Save The Queen.” And a third laughed: “Bryony Page singing “God Save the Queen” with such confidence before correcting herself.”
Bryony did remember to sing for the King by the end of the anthem – and we’re sure he’ll forgive her given what an amazing performance she put on at the Games!
She’s not the only Olympian to make the blunder – as eagle-eyed viewers have spotted other members of Team GB doing the same.
One tweeted: “Is it me, or are many of our athletes singing ‘God Save The Queen’ initially – not digging these lads out, but my wife and I noticed the rowers do it and giggle throughout.”
The God Save The King anthem dates back to the 18th century. Although its exact authorship remains uncertain, the melody is often attributed to English composer Thomas Arne – who arranged it in 1745.
The lyrics are believed to have been written in 1745 to show support for King George II during the Jacobite rising – and they’ve been used as a symbol of national pride ever since.
During the Olympic Games, royal fans have taken to social media to say that the change in words from “Queen” to “King” has made them feel a little emotional.
One wrote: “Awww just had the sad realisation that this will be the first Olympics I’ve ever know where team won’t be singing God Save the Queen at any gold medal ceremonies. God Save the King still doesn’t sound right.”
And another said: “Didn’t appreciate until yesterday – it’s the first time God Save the King was used at the Olympics since 1948. Our old Queen was/still is amazing.”
