When you picture royals at leisure, you might imagine polo matches, tea parties, or a stately stroll through palace gardens. But Prince William and Kate Middleton are breaking the mold—quite literally—with their shared love for polar plunges. Yes, the future King and Queen enjoy diving headlong into freezing waters, embracing a pastime that’s as invigorating as it is un-royal.
During a recent beach walk in North Wales, William confessed to members of the Marine Conservation Society’s Youth Ocean Network that he and Kate are regular cold-water swimmers. He didn’t sugarcoat the experience—”I do a lot of yelling and screaming when I get in,” he admitted—but he also described the post-plunge feeling as fantastic. The surprising part? Kate was the one who convinced him to try it, despite his initial belief that she was “crazy” for loving such a bracing activity.
Why This Matters
- The Royal Human Touch: Royals are often seen as distant, but William and Kate’s willingness to embrace discomfort and unconventional hobbies makes them more relatable and approachable.
- Mental Health Messaging: Cold plunging is gaining traction as a wellness trend, linked to improved mood, resilience, and even immune health. The couple’s advocacy signals openness about mental and physical wellbeing—a contrast to the stiffer royal image of the past.
- Changing the Royal Narrative: By publicly sharing their quirky rituals, William and Kate continue to modernize the monarchy, making it more in tune with contemporary lifestyles.
What Most People Miss
- Kate as a Royal Trendsetter: Often painted as the supportive spouse, it was actually Kate who championed this “crazy” hobby and brought William along for the ride. This small detail flips the script on traditional royal gender dynamics.
- A Family of Adventurers: This isn’t an isolated incident. The Wales family has a track record of prioritizing active, hands-on experiences—from surprise trips to the Harry Potter set to color-coordinated outings at Wimbledon.
- Community Engagement: William’s candid chats with local swimmers in Colwyn Bay weren’t just PR—they highlight ongoing royal efforts to connect with grassroots wellness movements across the UK.
Key Takeaways
- Cold water swimming is more than a quirky hobby—it’s part of a larger wellness trend. According to a 2023 UK Sport survey, over 4 million Britons tried wild swimming that year, citing mental refreshment as a top benefit.
- William and Kate model vulnerability and resilience. Their willingness to admit to “yelling and screaming” during plunges strips away the myth of royal perfection and shows authenticity.
- Kate’s influence within the family is significant. Her adventurous spirit repeatedly brings new experiences to the royal household.
Pros & Cons: Royal Polar Plunges
- Pros: Boosts public relatability, promotes wellness, encourages mental health conversations, and supports local community initiatives.
- Cons: Not for the faint of heart—cold plunges can be risky without proper guidance. The optics might puzzle traditionalists who prefer the old-school royal playbook.
Timeline: The Royals’ Embrace of Cold Water
- 2023: Kate reveals her love for cold swimming on a podcast; William is skeptical.
- 2024-2025: The couple makes polar plunges a regular hobby, with William warming up to the challenge.
- November 2025: William publicly discusses the activity, spotlighting their unconventional pastime during a North Wales engagement.
The Bottom Line
William and Kate’s approach to family, wellness, and royal duty signals a new era for the British monarchy—one defined by authenticity, adventure, and a willingness to get a little uncomfortable for the sake of growth. Whether they’re screaming their way into icy waters or orchestrating magical experiences for their kids, the Wales family is redefining what it means to be royal in the 21st century.