Prince William makes surprising U-turn on cold water swimming hobby loved by wife Kate Middleton
Kate admitted that William thought she was 'crazy' for her love of cold water plunges
After years of teasing Kate Middleton for her love of cold water swimming, Prince William is finally taking the plunge himself.
During a visit to North Wales last week, the Prince of Wales revealed that he’s been taking cold dips of his own, marking a surprising shift from his previous scepticism toward the hobby.
Prince William joins Kate Middleton cold water swimming
While walking along the beach in Colwyn Bay with the Marine Conservation Society’s Youth Ocean Network, Prince William stopped to chat with members of the Colwyn Bay Bluetits, a local cold water swimming group.
He told swimmers Chrissy Bolton, Georgia Daniels, and Midge Owen Smith that he had taken the plunge in Scotland and quite enjoyed the experience.
“You feel great afterwards,” the royal said, as reported by the Daily Mail.
“I love it. I do a lot of yelling and screaming when I get in,” he joked.
The remarks mark a notable U-turn from 2023, when William admitted he thought Kate was “crazy” for her devotion to sub-zero swims.
The Princess of Wales has long been an advocate for outdoor swimming, especially in winter. During an appearance on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast, filmed at Windsor Castle with Princess Anne and Mike Tindall, she opened up about her fitness preference.
“I love all sports, I really generally love all sports. I love swimming. Cold swimming,” she said.
“The colder, the better,” William interjected with a laugh.
“The colder, the better. I absolutely love it,” Kate gushed. “Slightly to the point where William’s like, ‘Catherine, you’re crazy.'” She revealed that she would even go out swimming when it’s dark and raining just to chase the cold.
Now, the future king appears ready to brave the cold alongside his wife. It’s safe to say Kate will be thrilled to have a swimming partner.
The Waleses are known for their active lifestyle, often encouraging their three children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, to enjoy the outdoors.
Prince William update
His time in North Wales highlighted William’s fun-loving spirit. But elsewhere, heir to the throne has also been quietly turning his attention to more serious matters.
Kensington Palace recently confirmed that the prince met with children from Gaza who were evacuated to the UK for urgent medical care. The children are part of a UK government humanitarian effort. Around 50 are currently receiving treatment through the NHS.
“Recently, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales met a small number of children from Gaza,” a Palace spokesperson said. “Who are currently receiving specialist care in the UK.
“The prince wished to offer a moment of comfort to these young people who have endured experiences no child should ever face.
“His Royal Highness was moved by the courage shown by the children and their families.”
The Prince of Wales has had a packed schedule. On November 26, he also delivered a powerful speech at the 2025 Tusk Conservation Awards in London.
Dressed in a navy suit, the Prince of Wales marked 20 years with the Tusk charity.
Read more: Prince William offers ‘moment of comfort’ to children evacuated from Gaza
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