A Royal Splash: Inside Buckingham Palace’s Secret Swimming Pool

Taking your child for their first swimming lesson is a big deal for any parent, but imagine the challenge when you're part of the royal family.

For Kate Middleton and Prince William, slipping into a local swimming pool without drawing attention isn't exactly an option.

Luckily, they have access to the Queen's impressive London residence, which includes a private swimming pool that has served the royal family for decades.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge reside in Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, but they often make use of the swimming facilities at Buckingham Palace.

This luxurious pool has been a royal retreat for over 80 years, providing a private space for the family to enjoy water activities away from prying eyes.

Originally designed as a conservatory by architect John Nash, the area was transformed into a swimming pool in 1938 by King George VI, who sought to provide a safe environment for his daughters, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret.

Before the pool was built, the young princesses had been taking lessons at a local bath club.

A newspaper article from January 1939 captured the excitement of the surprise reveal: the newly constructed swimming pool was intended for the princesses' weekly lessons right in their home.

It was a thoughtful gift that showcased the King's desire for privacy and comfort for his children.

While one might expect opulence inside a palace, the swimming pool itself was designed with practicality in mind.

Correspondence from Sir Philip Sassoon, who worked with the Ministry of Works, indicated that the walkway around the pool would feature vitreous mosaic tiles instead of glazed ones, making it safer and more visually appealing.

Additionally, the pool's edges were outlined in black with green bands to enhance the water's sparkle, adding a touch of elegance to its functionality.

Princess Margaret was the first royal to dip her toes in the pool back in 1936.

However, the facility faced challenges early on, as it was bombed during World War II just a year after its completion.

On September 10, 1940, a bomb shattered the windows of the north wing of Buckingham Palace, marking a tumultuous time for the royal family.

Despite the historical turmoil, the pool has remained a cherished spot for generations.

It's where Queen Elizabeth and her sister perfected their swimming skills, and it also hosted the early lessons of Her Majesty's children—Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.

Kate Middleton has taken her three kids there for swimming lessons, making it a beloved family tradition for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

In a conversation with former World and Commonwealth Champion James Hickman back in 2014, Kate shared that her son George adores the water, often splashing around with anything he can grab.

The pool has clearly become a place of joy for the young royals, filled with laughter and splashes.

For Prince Charles, the pool was more than just a place to swim.

He enjoyed sailing model boats and even invited friends over for fun in the water.

The late Prince Philip also utilized the pool for daily exercise when he was at the palace with the Queen.

It was a space that fostered family bonding and cherished memories.

Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana created joyful moments for their children at the pool as well.

Both Prince William and Prince Harry learned to swim there, and Charles once humorously recounted how he helped instill a love for water in William by tossing him into the pool.

Rather than scaring him, it ignited a passion for swimming.

Interestingly, the pool isn't just reserved for royal use.

Members of the Staff Sports Club can swim there too, as long as it doesn't conflict with the royals' schedules.

There's a unique etiquette involved; if a staff member is swimming and a royal arrives, they must exit the pool unless invited to stay.

This unwritten rule adds a layer of intrigue to the royal swimming experience.

The Buckingham Palace swimming pool stands as a symbol of both luxury and practicality, a private oasis where generations of royals have splashed, laughed, and learned.

Whether it's a first lesson or a fun day in the sun, this hidden gem continues to be a treasured part of royal life.