An Original Hobby!
Prince William, 43, met with members of the Marine Conservation Society’s Youth Ocean Network in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, during a recent working visit dedicated to marine conservation and youth involvement in environmental protection.
During the meeting, the monarch surprised the young scientists by revealing an unusual pastime he shares with his wife, Princess Catherine: swimming in icy water. His candid confession, quoted by the Daily Mail, brought smiles to the group:
“Afterwards you feel great. I like it. I scream and squeal a lot when I go into the water.”
William’s visit continued with a stop at Colwyn Bay Blue Bits, a local cold-water swimming club known for its dedicated members who take daily plunges regardless of the season. While speaking with the swimmers, the King’s son explained that he had taken multiple dives into the icy waters of Scotland and had grown unexpectedly fond of the invigorating, if shocking, experience.
However, William admitted that this extreme hobby was not his idea. It was Princess Catherine who first introduced him to the habit, gently convincing him to step outside his comfort zone. The Princess of Wales has spoken openly about her passion for cold-water swimming. In a September 2023 episode of The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast, she described her enthusiasm—one that William jokingly labeled “crazy”:
“I love all kinds of sports. I love swimming. Cold water swimming. The colder the better. I love it. So much so that William says, ‘Catherine, you’re crazy! It’s dark, it’s raining, and you’re going to find cold water.’”
For the royal couple, these icy dips are more than a sport—they’re a rare shared escape from the pressures of royal life. Between official engagements and public duties, William and Catherine also cherish spending time with their three children: 12-year-old Prince George, 10-year-old Princess Charlotte, and 7-year-old Prince Louis. Whether it’s outdoor adventures or quiet time at home, the family remains at the heart of their lives.
Their unconventional hobby adds another unexpected, humanizing glimpse into the lives of the future king and queen, showing that even royalty finds joy in simple, refreshing, and slightly wild moments.
