The Princess of Wales showcased her sporting spirit with a charming attempt at curling during a royal visit to Scotland, drawing smiles from onlookers and her husband alike. Kate, aged 44, joined Prince William, 43, at the National Curling Academy in Stirling, where the couple engaged in the winter sport as part of their engagements.
A Tentative Start on the Ice
Giggling with nervous excitement, the mother-of-three took to the 45-metre-long ice sheet, hoisting her long skirt and tucking her hair behind her ear. Despite her poised demeanour, she appeared hesitant, navigating the slippery surface in elegant attire and black suede boots by Gianvito Rossi. Prince William offered steady support, guiding her onto the rink and watching her steps closely.
William's Encouraging Words
As Kate prepared for her first attempt, William advised, "Just lean on both, Catherine," referring to the red stone and a delivery stick used by beginners. She pushed off but immediately lost her balance, laughing off the wobble. In the commotion, she forgot to release the stone, managing only a few metres before pushing it forward with determination.
Keen to improve, Kate asked for another chance and was delighted to learn they would compete head-to-head, with help from two sweepers each. The challenge was to get closest to the button, the centre of the target area, showcasing their competitive sides.
Supporting Team GB Ahead of the Olympics
The visit aimed to wish Team GB and Paralympics GB Curling teams good luck for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina. Curling is one of Britain's most successful winter sports, with six Olympic and two Paralympic medals to date. Skips Bruce Mouat and Jennifer Dodds provided a five-minute demonstration on technique, highlighting the sport's difficulty.
Community Engagement in Fallin
Later, the couple visited 'The Goth' pub in Fallin, a former mining village near Stirling. They ignored a lone heckler and engaged with locals, with William expressing his love for pubs and their community role. Catherine declined a drink while speaking to school teachers, and William nursed half a pint of cider.
The pub, named after a Swedish tradition of funnelling profits back into the community, has a rich history. It once funded a doctor and nurse before the NHS and now offers cheap rent to young people saving for housing. William praised its human connections, saying, "It's crucial. It's the human-to-human contact, isn't it?"
Heartwarming Moments and Gifts
Catherine received a crocheted bunny for Princess Charlotte from Adele Hodgson, 70, who auctions creations for a local hospice. The princess expressed gratitude, noting Charlotte's love for teddies. Before leaving, she urged William to finish his drink, but he laughed, wanting to stay on his "best behaviour."
William was gifted a Guinness glass engraved with the pub's logo, containing a scroll granting him ten shares of the business. Onlookers described the encounter as "surreal," with the couple later crouching to speak with young children and their mothers.
Fashion and Commitment to British Design
Princess Kate wore a coat designed by Chris Kerr with cloth woven by Johnstons of Elgin, reflecting her commitment to championing British textiles. The visit underscored the royal couple's blend of sport, community engagement, and support for local initiatives, leaving a positive impression in Stirling.
