Prince William Reconnects with a Pastime That Terrifies Kate

During a recent visit to Northern Ireland, Prince William took a nostalgic trip down memory lane by revisiting a hobby he had long abandoned.

On November 14, the Prince of Wales hopped onto a stationary motorbike at Ulster University's Belfast City campus, sparking memories of his younger days when biking was a cherished pastime.

However, his wife, Kate Middleton, has always had her reservations about his love for motorcycles, citing her fears for his safety.

The virtual production studio at the university provided an unexpected opportunity for William to engage with his former hobby.

With a playful grin, he expressed his desire to take the bike for a real spin, highlighting the immersive experience of riding through a simulated Arizona desert.

“I love that exhaust,” he exclaimed, clearly enjoying the moment, and described the virtual setup as “incredibly realistic.”

William's passion for motorbikes has been a source of concern for Kate, who openly shared her feelings during a visit to Dundee in 2015.

“It always fills me with horror when he goes out on it,” she confessed, revealing the anxiety that comes with his adventurous spirit.

At that time, she also mentioned her hopes of keeping their eldest son, Prince George, away from motorcycles.

In 2018, during a visit to the Isle of Man, William acknowledged that he had given up riding altogether.

“I'm a dad of three.

I have to tone it down,” he remarked, reflecting on his responsibilities as a parent following the birth of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

He reminisced about the joy of biking, stating, “For me, biking was always about being with everybody else,” underscoring the social aspect of the activity.

This trip to Northern Ireland was originally scheduled for May but was postponed due to the UK general election.

Once there, William made two significant stops, beginning with a visit to the Foyer, a temporary accommodation and support service aimed at young people facing homelessness.

This initiative is part of his broader Homewards project, which seeks to eradicate homelessness across the UK.

After addressing the issue of youth homelessness, William proceeded to Ulster University, where he emphasized the importance of creative industries in the region.

Northern Ireland's creative sector is booming, contributing an impressive $1.7 billion to the local economy and supporting over 24,000 jobs.

The Prince took time to highlight Studio Ulster, a $91 million studio complex set to open in 2025, which promises to further enhance the local creative landscape.

While engaging with students and faculty, the Prince displayed a lighthearted side by recording a video message for a young woman's friend who couldn't attend his visit.

“Leslie, I'm very sorry we're late,” he said into her phone, capturing the moment of connection and warmth.

His casual demeanor resonated with those present, showcasing his ability to relate to young people.

William's visit to Northern Ireland not only allowed him to reconnect with a piece of his past but also demonstrated his commitment to important social issues.

By addressing homelessness and supporting the creative industries, he is using his platform to make a positive impact.