The Prince of Wales has explained why he was absent from the Paris 2024 Olympics this past summer. While his aunts, the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Edinburgh, attended the major sporting event, Prince William, 42, stayed home.
During a visit to Birtley Community Pool in Tyne and Wear, he spoke with British Olympians Adam Peaty and Tom Dean, along with Paralympians Maisie Summer-Newton and Louise Fiddes.
When Tom asked if he had made it to Paris, William replied, “No, I was so keen to come, but after reading someone’s interview about Covid [referring to Adam Peaty, who tested positive during the games], I decided it was best not to risk bringing Covid home, especially since my wife was undergoing chemotherapy. Adam very kindly reminded me that it was still a concern! But we watched the entire event and were glued to it every day.”
The royal couple later shared a video message congratulating the athletes on their achievements at the Olympics, alongside David Beckham and Snoop Dogg.
William added, “Catherine and I both love swimming. George is fond of scuba diving too. When he was ten, we took him under the water, thinking he’d be scared, but he absolutely loved it. It opened up a whole new world for him.” Kate has also expressed her passion for cold water swimming during her appearance on Mike Tindall’s podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, in 2023.
Kensington Palace previously shared footage of William and Kate diving in Belize’s stunning barrier reef during their Caribbean royal tour in 2022.
William’s recent visit to the community pool aimed to emphasize the importance of swimming access. Despite swimming being a crucial life skill and the only sport that can save lives, nearly one in three children in the UK leave primary school unable to swim.
The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales announced a new partnership with Birtley Community Pool, which will support over 16,000 individuals, including 6,500 children and young people, to participate in swimming activities every month.
