As Prince William prepared for his visit to the Isle of Man, it became clear that his wife, Kate Middleton, wasn’t entirely thrilled about the idea.
Reflecting on the occasion, which took place just months before Kate's 37th birthday, the Duke of Cambridge admitted that the Duchess had her reservations. William, an avid motorbike enthusiast, attended the Isle of Man TT Races, an iconic and highly challenging annual motorcycle event, but Kate’s reaction suggested she wasn’t as excited about it.
“When I mentioned the visit to the Isle of Man, she said, ‘Really?’” William shared during a conversation with Laurence Skelly, the Isle of Man's minister for enterprise. The event, known for its thrilling yet perilous races, features a grueling 38-mile circuit that has sadly claimed lives over the years, including two fatalities during that year's competition.
Kate’s concern over William’s passion for motorbikes isn’t new. In 2015, during a visit to Dundee, Scotland, the Duchess candidly expressed her unease to a well-wisher. “He’s still riding, and it always fills me with horror when he does,” she revealed. As a mother to three young children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and baby Prince Louis at the time—Kate worried about the risks. “I’m terrified,” she admitted, adding, “Hopefully, I can keep George off bikes!”
However, William has since scaled back his time on motorcycles, acknowledging his growing responsibilities as a father. Speaking to Jonathan Rea, a triple World Superbike champion, during an investiture ceremony in November, William explained how family life has influenced his hobbies. “We talked about his bikes,” Rea later shared, “and he said he’s eased off a bit because of the kids.”
Despite stepping back from frequent riding, William’s love for motorbikes runs deep. Alongside his brother, Prince Harry, he has been a passionate biker since his teenage years. After passing his motorcycle test at 19, he honed his skills on a Kawasaki 125cc bike at Prince Charles’ Highgrove Estate. Over the years, William has owned impressive machines, including a high-performance Ducati valued at £15,000.
While William may have toned down his motorcycling adventures, Kate’s apprehension remains a testament to her concern for her family’s safety amid her husband’s adventurous pursuits.
