Prince William has sparked concerns for Kate Middleton after revisiting his long-standing passion for motorbiking during a royal engagement in Northern Ireland.
The Prince of Wales briefly indulged in his love for motorcycles at Ulster University's Belfast City Campus, stirring memories of a hobby that has historically filled his wife with unease. During his visit to the university’s Virtual Production Studio, Prince William hopped onto a stationary motorbike for a simulated ride through the Arizona desert. A video of the moment was shared on the couple’s official Instagram account, capturing the Prince’s enthusiasm.
“Any excuse to get on a motorbike!” he exclaimed, according to Hello! magazine. “I feel like someone needs to take this for a real spin.” Displaying his fondness for motorcycles, he added, “I love that exhaust,” before describing the virtual experience as “incredibly realistic.”
While the event may have delighted motorbike enthusiasts, it likely brought mixed feelings for the Princess of Wales. Back in 2015, Kate openly expressed her anxiety over William’s motorbike hobby, revealing that it fills her with “horror.”
“He’s still riding it,” Kate admitted during a conversation. “It always fills me with horror when he goes out on it. I’m terrified. Hopefully, I’m going to keep George off of it.” Her comments highlighted her fears for their family’s safety, especially concerning Prince George and his potential interest in the activity.
Acknowledging his wife’s concerns, Prince William announced in 2018 that he had significantly reduced his time spent motorbiking, particularly after becoming a father of three. “I’m a dad of three. I have to tone it down,” he said. Reflecting on his past passion, he admitted, “I miss the big trips. For me, biking was always about being with everybody else.”
The Prince’s recent virtual ride was undoubtedly a nostalgic nod to his former adventures. However, it also served as a reminder of the balance he strives to maintain between indulging in his personal interests and respecting his family’s concerns. While the simulated experience posed no real danger, it reignited a discussion about the compromises royals make in their personal lives to prioritize their family’s well-being.
