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Rio 2016: Andy Murray fumbles flag during opening ceremony rehearsal while covering Princess Anne's face

Members of Team GB laughed as the Wimbledon and Olympic champion was repeatedly told to reposition the Union Jack during a group photo

Matt Murphy
Friday 05 August 2016 10:47 BST
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Andy Murray flag fumble

The ‘number one’ moment of Andy Murray’s career was almost a rather embarrassing one as Team GB prepared for a group photo at the opening ceremony dress rehearsal.

Laughter rang out from members of the team as the Wimbledon and Olympic champion blocked the Princess Royal from view and almost hit her in the face as he fumbled the flag awkwardly.

Murray, who was chosen to be the nation’s Rio 2016 flag bearer this week, had multiple photographers instructing him as they failed to find the right position for the Union Jack.

“Okay Andy… just drop it a little bit Andy, because you’re blocking HRH,” One said, before asking him to change the position twice afterwards.

The tennis star later made light of the situation, saying: “I hope I make a better job of it tomorrow night than I did in practice…although I will have to blame the photographers for what happened there.”

The Twitter account for the Royal Family also joked: “We’re sure @Andy_Murray’s racket handling skills are better than his flag bearing ones! #Rio2016 #BringOnTheGreat

Murray will lead out Team GB at tonight’s opening ceremony at the Maracana stadium.

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