The Prince and Princess of Wales embarked on a vibrant visit to Stirling, engaging in traditional Scottish activities and connecting with local communities. Their itinerary showcased a blend of sporting enthusiasm, cultural heritage, and grassroots engagement.
Curling with Team GB at the National Academy
During their stop at the National Curling Academy in Stirling, William and Kate tried their hand at curling, a sport deeply rooted in Scottish history dating back to the 16th century. They took to the ice alongside members of Team GB, testing their skills in a lighthearted session that brought smiles to all involved.
The royal couple met with Team GB and Paralympics GB curling teams ahead of the upcoming Winter Paralympic Games in Milano-Cortina, scheduled for February and March. Their presence served as a morale boost for the athletes, with Bruce Mouat, skip of the men’s curling team and mixed doubles player, expressing his appreciation.
“It was wonderful, really nice that they came to wish us good luck for the next month we are about to embark on,” Mouat remarked. “Both of them were lovely and willing to curl. They said they would be watching the games, which means a lot to us.”
Curling has emerged as one of Britain’s most successful winter sports, with six Olympic medals and two Paralympic medals earned to date. The National Curling Academy, opened in August 2017 ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, provides year-round access to high-quality ice, a facility previously unavailable in the UK, supporting athletes in their training regimens.
Embracing Scottish Craftsmanship
Following their sporting endeavours, the royals visited the charity Radical Weavers, an organisation that offers those affected by trauma and loss the opportunity to learn traditional Scottish tartan-weaving skills in a supportive environment. Kate enthusiastically tried her hand at weaving using a traditional loom, contributing to a project aimed at creating a record-breaking 1.86-mile tartan scarf.
This activity highlighted the importance of preserving cultural crafts and providing therapeutic outlets through creative expression, aligning with the charity’s mission to foster healing and community connection.
Community Engagement at The Gothenburg
The couple concluded their trip with a visit to The Gothenburg, a community-run pub located in the former mining village of Fallon. Here, they met with local residents to discuss the vital role of community-run facilities in fostering social cohesion and supporting neighbourhood initiatives.
This segment of the visit underscored the royal family’s commitment to understanding and championing grassroots efforts that strengthen local ties and enhance communal wellbeing.
Throughout the day, William and Kate shared their curling experiences with children at the sports centre, engaging in conversations that inspired young minds and promoted physical activity. Their visit not only celebrated Scottish traditions and sporting excellence but also reinforced the value of community spirit and charitable work across Stirling.
