Prince William, the Prince of Wales, continues to embrace his passion for motorbiking, preferring to ride “quietly” and “in disguise.” During a recent visit to Norfolk Blood Bikes, he shared his fondness for motorcycles. This event took place near his family residence, Anmer Hall.
Prince William’s Love for Motorbikes
At 43, Prince William revealed his enduring enthusiasm for bikes, despite his wife, Kate, the Princess of Wales, expressing her concerns over his hobby. In the past, she admitted that his motorbiking “filled her with horror.”
Support for the Community
While touring a fleet of 25 motorcycles and cars used for transporting vital medical supplies, William expressed his appreciation for the volunteers involved. He acknowledged their critical role in the community, stating, “You guys provide such a crucial link to what goes on. You guys are amazing.”
- Prince William joined Kate in privately funding a Ford Kuga.
- This vehicle is nicknamed “Prince William,” alongside a Ford Focus named “Queen Elizabeth II.”
Motorcycle History
William obtained his motorcycle license in 2002 at the age of 19. He became a car driver just after turning 17. Although he enjoyed riding in his younger years, he acknowledged he had “toned it down” since becoming a father to three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8.
Notably, he has owned high-performance bikes, including Ducati 1198s, with a top speed of 180 mph. He also shares this interest with his younger brother, Prince Harry. The siblings participated in a 1,000-mile charity motorcycle trek through South Africa in 2008.
Kate’s Concerns
Kate has voiced strong concerns about William’s motorcycle riding. During a visit to Dundee in 2015, she expressed her fears, stating, “I’m terrified. Hopefully, I’m going to keep George off it.”
Adapting Transportation Choices
In more recent developments, William has opted for an e-scooter for traveling around Windsor Castle grounds. He even showcased this mode of transport in an episode of “The Reluctant Traveler” with Eugene Levy, mentioning its enjoyable nature. However, a new ban on e-scooters at Windsor Great Park recently restricted their use on the estate.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2002 | Prince William obtains motorcycle license. |
| 2008 | William and Harry complete charity bike trek in South Africa. |
| 2015 | Kate expresses concerns about William’s motorbike riding. |
| 2023 | William uses e-scooter at Windsor Castle. |
Prince William’s passion for motorbikes represents a blend of personal interest and community support, even as he navigates family concerns and changing transportation habits.
