In a poignant revelation, King Charles III has confirmed he has been compelled to relinquish a cherished personal hobby he has enjoyed for over four decades. The monarch, now 77, indicated that his days of hitting the ski slopes are now firmly in the past, a decision influenced by his ascension to the throne and his subsequent cancer diagnosis.
A Royal Tradition Comes to an End
The King made the personal disclosure earlier this year during a visit to a factory in Middlesbrough. Speaking to employees, he reflected that he believed his "skiing days are behind me." This marks the end of a pastime he has loved since boyhood and which became a staple of royal family winter holidays for generations.
The tradition was particularly prominent during his marriage to the late Princess Diana. The couple frequently took their young sons, Princes William and Harry, on annual ski trips, a custom that has since been embraced by the younger generations of royals. The family often favoured the exclusive Swiss resort of Klosters, with trips also extending to Whistler in Canada and Lech in Austria.
The Reasons Behind the Decision
The winding down of the King's active participation in the sport began in 2023. His annual ski holiday was cancelled that year due to concerns about potential injury ahead of his Coronation in May. The following year, in February 2024, the monarch publicly announced his cancer diagnosis, which understandably ruled out any strenuous activity-filled holidays during his treatment.
This alpine hobby has been the backdrop for several notable, and sometimes headline-making, royal moments. In March 2005, a pre-ski photocall in Klosters with William and Harry became infamous when a live microphone captured Charles's exasperated criticism of the BBC's then royal correspondent, Nicholas Witchell. On a more sombre note, in 1998, Charles took his sons to Whistler for their first ski holiday after the death of their mother, Diana.
The Legacy Continues with the Next Generation
While the King steps back, the royal skiing tradition is being vigorously upheld by his heirs. The Prince and Princess of Wales are known to be avid skiers and regularly take their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—on winter sports holidays.
Royal reporter Richard Palmer noted, "I’m sure William and Kate will be planning another winter ski break with the kids, because it’s something they love doing together." He added that the competitive couple are likely raising very accomplished young skiers.
Interestingly, the slopes of Klosters played a pivotal role in William and Kate's own romance. They were first spotted there together in 2004, hinting they were more than friends, and were photographed sharing a kiss at the same resort two years later, images that captivated the world.
For King Charles, however, the chapter of personal participation in this beloved family activity is now closed, symbolising a shift in his life as sovereign and his ongoing health journey.
