Crown & Leisure
Apart from their official duties, these royal figures participate in other creative pursuits. Their personal interests and achievements reveal a more intimate side that might be new to you. Some of them are just incredibly talented!
King Charles III: Gardening
The legendary King Charles converted his Highgrove House estate in Gloucestershire to organic farming methods in 1985, making him one of the UK’s pioneers in organic agriculture. He is known for his passion for gardening, particularly organic gardening and hedge laying.
King Charles III: Gardening (Cont.)
Our “Green King” has created all kinds of gardens on the estate, like a kitchen garden, a wildflower meadow, and some formal gardens that support biodiversity and sustainable practices. Also, he has founded the Duchy Organic brand, which sells organic produce.
Andy Gott, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
King Charles III: Gardening (Cont.)
It is said that King spent over twenty years perfecting the art of hedge-laying and planted about 15 miles of hedgerow around his Highgrove estate. He is an advocate for the craft, as he served as a patron of the National Hedgelaying Society (NHLS).
Kobi Gideon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Queen Elizabeth II: Horse Riding
Her love for horses began when she was just four years old, thanks to her grandfather, King George V, who gifted her a Shetland pony named Peggy. By her late teens, Queen Elizabeth had become an accomplished rider and took part in equestrian events.
Reagan White House Photographs, Wikimedia Commons
Queen Elizabeth II: Horse Riding (Cont.)
The Queen rode side-saddle at the Trooping the Colour ceremony every year from 1947 to 1986, usually on her favorite black mare, Burmese. She even earned the title of British Flat Racing Champion Owner in 1954 and 1957. Her horses participated in over 3,400 races.
Queen Elizabeth II: Horse Riding (Cont.)
In November 2014, Queen Elizabeth II was honored with the first-ever FEI Lifetime Achievement Award for her constant support of equestrian sports. Her contributions to horse racing led to her induction into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame as a Special Contributor.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Wikimedia Commons
Zara Tindall: Equestrian Sports
She is a member of the British equestrian team and an Olympic medalist. Zara Tindall won a silver medal in team eventing at the 2012 London Olympics. It was seen as a special moment as her own mother, Princess Anne, presented her with the winning medal.
Jerry Bank, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Zara Tindall: Equestrian Sports (Cont.)
Tindall was also crowned individual world champion at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, in 2006. In recognition of her contributions to equestrianism, Zara was declared (ME) a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year Honours List (2007).
Mareklug, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Prince William: Polo
Prince William got into Polo when he was quite young, and he owes it to his dad, King Charles III, who has always been an enthusiast of the sport. He frequently plays Polo to raise funds for various charities. He participates in the Royal Charity Polo Cup.
CJSepulvedaC, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Prince William: Polo (Cont.)
These events support causes such as East Anglia Children’s Hospices and London Air Ambulance. You can say the sport is a family affair; members such as Prince Philip, King Charles III, and Prince Harry have all been players of the sport.
Billpolo, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Prince William: Polo (Cont.)
On July 12, 2024, Prince William competed in the Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor. This event is big on his summer list and helps raise funds for various charities. His wife, Kate Middleton, is his support system here.
Phooto, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Princess Charlotte: Ballet
In 2022, it came out that Kate Middleton had been bringing Princess Charlotte to ballet classes at a fancy dance school in London. Reportedly, for her 8th birthday, Princess Charlotte even attended a performance of “Cinderella” at the Royal Opera House in London.
Number 10, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Princess Charlotte: Ballet (Cont.)
Kate Middleton has also publicly mentioned that her daughter, Princess Charlotte, enjoys dancing. During a public engagement, she stated, “My daughter Charlotte likes dancing. She loves ballet and tap”. The Princess has attended “The Nutcracker” at the Royal Opera House.
John Pannell, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
King Abdullah: Adventure Sports
The King of the Middle East, King Abdullah II, enjoys scuba diving and often explores the underwater world of the Red Sea. He has also taken free-fall parachuting courses, especially for skydiving and aerial sports. Oh, and his interest in Harley-Davidson bikes is another thing.
Jordan's King Abdullah takes part in airdrop operations over Gaza by The Times and The Sunday Times
Prince Albert II: Bobsledding
This Prince of Monaco has a notable history in bobsledding. He apparently represented Monaco in the sport from 1988 to 2002 at five consecutive Winter Olympic Games. Prince Albert II also participated in both two-man and four-man bobsleigh events.
Prince Albert II: Bobsledding (Cont.)
His best finish came during the 1988 Calgary Olympics when he placed 25th in the two-man bobsleigh event. Throughout his Olympic career, he competed against top international athletes. In 1987, he founded the Monegasque Bobsleigh, Luge, and Skeleton Federation.
The Chancellery of the Senate of the Republic of Poland , CC BY-SA 3.0 PL, Wikimedia Commons
Prince William: Motorcycles
Interestingly, Kate Middleton has shared her worries about her husband’s love for motorcycling. Back in 2015, she said it really “fills her with horror” whenever he gets on a bike, mostly because she’s worried about his safety. The Prince was highly interested in motorcycling.
Prince William Surprises Everyone with a Motorcycle Ride! by InfoFacts
Prince William: Motorcycles (Cont.)
However, by 2018, Prince William acknowledged that he had toned down his motorcycling activities due to family responsibilities. He even mentioned, “I’m a dad of three. I have to tone it down”, showing that his priorities had changed since becoming a father.
Prince William Surprises Everyone with a Motorcycle Ride! by InfoFacts
Prince William: Motorcycles (Cont.)
Recently, on November 14, 2024, when he was visiting Northern Ireland, Prince William hopped on a stationary motorbike at Ulster University’s Virtual Production Studio. He proved his excitement, saying, “Any excuse to get on a motorbike”!
Prince Harry: Polo
Since taking a break from royal duties in early 2020, Harry has continued pursuing Polo and has stayed active in the equestrian scene in Southern California. His involvement in programs like the Sentebale Polo Cup has raised significant amounts for humanitarian efforts.
Prince Harry: Polo (Cont.)
Through these funds, he reportedly supports children affected by HIV in Southern Africa. In November 2024, it was announced that Prince Harry would be featured in a Netflix documentary series titled Polo. The series aims to provide an in-depth look at the sport.
CJSepulvedaC, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Queen Elizabeth II: Pigeon Racing
Did you know that Queen Elizabeth II served as the president of the RPRA? It is the governing body for pigeon racing in the UK. As someone who extremely loves pigeons, the Queen raised and trained racing pigeons and was also very much involved in the whole scene.
Department of Immigration and Border Protection, CC BY 3.0 AU, Wikimedia Commons
Kate Middleton: Photography
When it comes to capturing moments with her family, the Duchess of Cambridge does it best. Much of her photography revolves around her three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Be it birthdays or family outings, she’s the unofficial photographer.
Kate Middleton's Passion for Photography by The Royal Family Channel
Kate Middleton: Photography (Cont.)
In the midst of Covid 19, this royal figure announced the “Hold Still” project in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery in May 2020. The initiative basically invited people of all ages to submit photographic portraits taken during the lockdown.
Kate Middleton's Passion for Photography by The Royal Family Channel
Kate Middleton: Photography (Cont.)
You wouldn’t believe it, but the project received over 31,000 submissions. The participants were encouraged to focus on three main themes: helpers and heroes, your new normal, and acts of kindness. A panel of judges selected 100 final photographs.
Kate Middleton's Passion for Photography by The Royal Family Channel
Princess Anne: Equestrianism
Princess Anne began competing in equestrian events at the age of 11. It was her parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who influenced her early exposure to horses. In 1971, she bagged the individual gold medal at the European Eventing Championships held at Burghley.
Fotograaf Onbekend / Anefo, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Princess Anne: Equestrianism (Cont.)
This made her the first British royal to achieve this honor. The Princess also won silver medals in individual and team events at the 1975 European Championships in Luhmühlen. Besides, she was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1971.
Hans Peters for Anefo, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Prince George: Skiing
As you might have seen, Prince George has often been spotted enjoying skiing trips with his family, particularly during their annual winter holidays. During a trip to Norway in February 2018, Duchess Kate revealed that he had tried skiing when he was just two and a half years old.
Number 10, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Prince Harry: Rugby
From 2016 until early 2021, Prince Harry was a dedicated advocate of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Rugby Football League (RFL). It was Queen Elizabeth II who chose him for these roles to help promote the sport and support its growth.
Prince Harry: Rugby (Cont.)
However, Prince Harry’s patronages were returned to the Queen in February 2021. Prince Harry was seen as a “top-tier athlete” during his education at Eton College. He himself would appreciate the physicality of the game, describing it as a “beautiful game”.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej: Music Composition
King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the late King of Thailand, was not only a revered monarch but also a talented musician and composer. Throughout his life, King Bhumibol composed more than 49 songs. His compositions are known in Thai as “Phleng Phra Ratcha Niphon”.
2T, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
King Bhumibol Adulyadej: Music Composition (Cont.)
He wrote his first piece, “Candlelight Blues”, when he was just 18. Back in 1980, UNESCO picked his song “Falling Rain” as the “Song of Asia”, which really showed how much people around the world appreciated his music. The King also formed a band, “Sahai Pattana”.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A Music Prodigy - TNN Thailand News by nadbchannel
Queen Maxima: Dancing
Queen Máxima, originally from Argentina, has expressed pride in her cultural background. She clearly mentioned, “I am Latin, and I will continue being Latin in respect to some aspects of my culture. I dance, I sing, and I will keep on dancing and singing”.
GlynLowe, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Queen Maxima: Dancing (Cont.)
She has danced at the Bon Bini Festival in Aruba, impressing attendees with her moves alongside King Willem-Alexander. The Queen also dances with her husband, King Willem-Alexander, sometimes, who participates despite admitting that dancing is not his nature.
RVD, Jeroen van der Meyde, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Crown Princess Mary: Cooking
This individual has been involved in cooking demonstrations and events. She has collaborated with famous chefs to promote Danish cuisine. For instance, she has worked with chef Rasmus Kofoed, highlighting the importance of local ingredients and modern Danish cooking.
Princess Marie cooks with schoolchildren to teach about food waste by Scandinavian Royalty
King Harald V: Sailing
Here’s a king and an accomplished sailor. King Harald took Norway to the Olympics in sailing three times. Once in Tokyo in 1964, then Mexico in 1968, and lastly in Munich in 1972. He sailed in different classes, like the 5.5-meter and the Soling classes.
King Harald V of Norway embarking the royal yacht KS Norge by Ruralor Real
King Harald V: Sailing (Cont.)
In 1987, he won the One-Ton World Championship with his yacht, Fram X. It is said that his passion for sailing began at a young age and was influenced by his father, King Olav V, who introduced him to the sport when he was just two years old.
Estonian Foreign Ministry, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Princess Beatrice: Art
In 2016, she worked with British artist Teddy McDonald to create a painting titled Royal Love. This was exhibited at Masterpiece London and sold to benefit charity. Princess Beatrice also became a patron of the York Musical Society in 2012. Her appreciation for art is quite evident.
TheMatthewSlack, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
Queen Mathilde: Reading
She has shown her support for Queen Camilla’s popular book club, “The Queen’s Reading Room”. She shared her favorite novels, like “The Burgundians” by Bart Van Loo, “A Celebration of the Everyday” by Colette Nys-Mazure, and “Those Who Forget” by Géraldine Schwarz.
The White House, Wikimedia Commons
Queen Mathilde: Reading (Cont.)
As per sources, Queen Mathilde developed a deep interest in literature during her teenage years. She was said to be influenced by her father, Count Patrick d’Udekem d’Acoz. He was the one who encouraged her to read about foreign cultures and histories.
belgium24.eu, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Prince Edward: Theatre Production
The Earl of Wessex graduated from Cambridge University and briefly worked for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Theatre Company after that. In 1993, he established his own television production company, Ardent Productions. However, it struggled financially and was dissolved in 2009.
Northern Ireland Office, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Prince Edward: Theatre Production (Cont.)
One of the most recognized projects Ardent worked on was a documentary about Edward VIII. It examined why he abdicated and what that meant for the British monarchy. Unfortunately, the company was criticized for relying too heavily on its royal ties to create content.
yatearmadillo, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Princess Eugenie: Art Curation
Princess Eugenie, an ambassador for the Blue Marine Foundation, attended the Blue: Art for the Ocean exhibition at Christie’s. The event displayed artwork from artists who wanted to help raise money for environmental issues, mainly ocean conservation.
Carfax2, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Princess Eugenie: Art Curation (Cont.)
In her role with The Anti-Slavery Collective, the Princess has also participated in art therapy sessions with survivors of modern slavery. She was the one who co-founded The Anti-Slavery Collective in 2017 with Julia de Boinville.
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