Prince William isn’t giving up one of his favorite hobbies; he’s just keeping it low-key. The Prince of Wales recently revealed that he still enjoys biking, though he said that he now does it “quietly” and even in “disguise.”
The confession is unlikely to ease concerns from his wife, Kate Middleton, who has previously spoken about her fears surrounding his love of motorcycles. In fact, the Princess of Wales admitted that seeing her husband head out for a ride leaves her feeling “terrified.”
Prince William reveals he bikes in ‘disguise’ despite Kate Middleton’s ‘horror’
For years, Prince William’s passion for motorbikes has been one of his most well-known personal interests. Albeit royal duties and family life may have changed how often he rides the same, his latest comments suggest the hobby remains very much a part of his life.
The prince made the admission during a visit to Norfolk Blood Bikes on Thursday. The charity-run service helps transport blood, plasma, breast milk, and other critical medical supplies. While speaking with volunteers and looking over the organization’s fleet, William couldn’t resist sharing his own enthusiasm for life on two wheels.
“I love bikes,” he said, per Hello Magazine. The conversation then turned to whether he still rides. William responded, “I do still ride now and again, quietly,” before adding a telling one-word explanation: “Disguise.”
The comment appeared to suggest that the future king takes steps to avoid recognition when he gets back on a motorcycle. For someone whose every public appearance is closely scrutinized, the idea of riding unnoticed may be appealing. Still, it is a revelation that may not sit comfortably with his wife.
Middleton has never hidden her feelings about William’s passion for motorbikes. During a royal engagement in Dundee in 2015, she candidly admitted that the hobby makes her nervous.
“He’s still riding it. It always fills me with horror when he goes out on it. I’m terrified,” she said at the time. She even joked that she hoped to keep their eldest son, Prince George, away from the hobby.
Her concerns are understandable given William’s long history with motorcycles. The prince passed his motorcycle test in 2002 and spent years embracing the hobby. He reportedly owned several powerful bikes and even shared the enthusiasm with his brother, Prince Harry. The pair famously took part in a 1,000-mile charity motorcycle journey through South Africa in 2008.
That said, William has previously indicated that fatherhood changed his perspective. After welcoming children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, he reportedly chose to tone down some of his more adventurous riding habits.
