Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has revealed the real reason she cannot play as much tennis as she would like: motherhood. The 44-year-old royal, a known tennis enthusiast and patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, admitted during a school visit in 2018 that her sporting activities have taken a back seat since having children.
Passion for Tennis Since School Days
Catherine's love for tennis dates back to her school years, and she has carried this passion into adulthood, often playing with her husband Prince William and their three children. However, as a mother of three, she has found less time for the sport. During a visit to Bond Primary School in South West London in January 2018, while pregnant with her youngest son Prince Louis, she told students at a Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative session: "I love tennis, I think it's a great sport, I was really sporty when I was little, less so now that I've got lots of babies!"
Balancing Royal Duties and Family Life
The future Queen, who already had Prince George and Princess Charlotte at the time, encouraged the children to stay active. She added: "But keep it up, it's great to be active, as everyone's been saying here today. It's been a real pleasure to meet all of you." Her comments highlight the challenge many parents face in balancing personal interests with family responsibilities.
Wimbledon Attendance and Family Tradition
Catherine continues to show her support for tennis by attending Wimbledon each year. She has already visited the tournament this year and is expected to appear in the royal box this weekend, likely accompanied by Prince William and their two oldest children, Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, 11. Both children have been attending Wimbledon with their mother for several years. It is also anticipated that Prince Louis, now eight, may make his Wimbledon debut, as he has reached the age at which his siblings first attended.
The royal children are believed to enjoy playing tennis themselves, following in their mother's footsteps. Catherine's dedication to the sport, despite her reduced playing time, underscores her ongoing role as a patron and ambassador for tennis in the UK.
