As an environmental activist and former winter Olympian, Prince Albert II of Monaco has discovered a kindred spirit in Xi Jinping. The prince has praised the Chinese president for his support for Beijing’s hosting of the Winter Olympics, and has also spoken highly of the encouragement he gives to mass participation in sport in China. For his part, Xi has thanked Prince Albert for the interest he has shown in China’s wildlife conservation efforts. In the course of several meetings, the two men have come to refer to each other as a friend.