American alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has shared details of a touching private letter she received from Prince William following her devastating crash at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
The incident occurred during the women’s downhill event in Cortina, where Vonn suffered a horrific high-speed fall early in her run. The crash resulted in severe injuries to her left leg, including a complex fracture of the tibia and fibula, a broken ankle, and significant additional damage that required multiple surgeries. She spent several weeks recovering in an Italian hospital before returning home to Park City, Utah, on March 1.3d2441
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Vonn opened up about the outpouring of support she received during her painful recovery, highlighting one unexpected message that stood out: a personal letter from the Prince of Wales.
Prince William, who had been watching the event, wrote to express his well-wishes. In the typed letter dated February 16, he stated: “I was watching your recent accident in Cortina and wanted to write to send you my very best wishes.” He went on to praise Vonn’s mindset, noting, “The way you wrote about stepping into the starting gate with courage and no regrets says so much about your resilience, and is one of the many reasons why you have been an inspiration to so many people throughout your illustrious career.”
The prince also acknowledged the fine margins in downhill skiing, adding that “there are just a few inches that can determine the difference between a clean run and a serious crash,” and concluded by hoping for a “smooth and quick” recovery. He signed off with a handwritten note in blue ink offering his “very best wishes.”c34994
Vonn, a three-time Olympic medalist who had made a remarkable comeback at age 41, admitted she was surprised and moved by the royal gesture. “I didn’t expect that Prince William was watching me, let alone took the time to write me a letter,” she said, adding with a laugh that she responded by offering to take the prince and his family skiing someday—once she is fully recovered.
The letter was among messages from other high-profile figures, including Tom Brady, David Beckham, and tennis star Jannik Sinner. Vonn has credited her strong support system with helping her through the physical and emotional trauma of the injury and her hospital stay, where she described intense pain and moments of distress.
While Vonn has not yet ruled out a return to competitive skiing, she is currently focused on rehabilitation and resuming normal life. Her story continues to highlight both the risks of elite downhill racing and the resilience that has defined her storied career.
