King and Queen offer ‘heartfelt congratulations’ to Commonwealth medallists as Winter Olympics draws to a close

He said, “As the Winter Games come to a close, my wife and I send our most heartfelt congratulations to all the Olympic medal winners from Team GB, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, on your remarkable successes.

“Whether on the ice or amid Italy’s glorious snowscapes, you have demonstrated not only exceptional skill, but also the grace and camaraderie that embody the Olympic spirit at its finest.

“To those who did not reach the podium, from right across the Commonwealth, please know that you, too, can return home with proud hearts and heads held high.

“Every performance, often in the face of great personal risk, was a testament to your courage, commitment and awesome athleticism, all of it made possible with the tireless work of your support teams on the ground and back home.

“As we express gratitude to the people of Italy for hosting such a magnificent celebration, and turn our attention to the Winter Paralympics to come, your collective achievements have dazzled and inspired audiences across the globe – among them, we hope, the Olympian stars of the future. Charles R.”

Team GB achieved its best-ever Winter Olympics this year, taking home five medals.

Matt Weston won a gold medal in the men’s skeleton, partnering Tabby Stoecker and landing gold for the mixed team title.

Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale won gold in the mixed team snowboard cross.The men’s curling team, led by Bruce Mouat, took silver, with Zoe Atkin finishing off the competition with ski halfpipe bronze.

The games conclude on Sunday, with Norway topping the medal table, followed by the USA, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany.

The next Olympics will take place in Los Angeles in 2028.