**Prince William Dusts Off His Old Hobby During Northern Ireland Visit**

During a recent trip to Northern Ireland, Prince William had the chance to revisit a pastime he had put on the back burner for years.

On November 14, the Prince of Wales made an appearance at the Virtual Production Studio located at Ulster University's Belfast City Campus, where he hopped onto a motorbike and took it for a spin—virtually, that is.

“Any excuse to get on a motorbike!”

exclaimed the future king, as reported by Hello!.

It was clear he was enjoying himself.

He even asked if he could take the bike out for a real ride instead of just sitting still.

As he dismounted, he commented on how much he loved the bike's exhaust and described the virtual experience as “incredibly realistic.”

Motorbikes were once a significant hobby for Prince William in his younger days.

However, concerns expressed by his wife, Kate Middleton, led him to reconsider.

Back in 2015, she revealed her fears during a visit to Dundee, Scotland.

“It always fills me with horror when he goes out on it,” she admitted, hoping to keep their eldest son, Prince George, off bikes altogether.

By 2018, Prince William officially announced he had given up biking.

While visiting the Isle of Man, he candidly said, “I'm a dad of three.

I have to tone it down.” With the addition of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to their family, he felt it was time to prioritize safety over thrills.

“I miss the big trips.

For me, biking was always about being with everybody else,” he reflected.

Interestingly, this recent visit to Northern Ireland had been postponed from May due to the U.K. general election.

During his trip, the prince made two notable stops.

His first destination was The Foyer, a temporary accommodation and support service designed for young people facing homelessness, which aligns with his Homewards initiative aimed at addressing this pressing issue across the U.K.

At Ulster University, Prince William focused on the burgeoning creative industries within Northern Ireland.

This sector has become a vital part of the local economy, contributing over $1.7 billion and providing jobs for more than 24,000 residents.

One exciting highlight he learned about was the upcoming Studio Ulster, a massive studio complex valued at $91 million, slated to open in 2025.

While touring the university, the playful prince took a moment to engage with students.

He recorded a lighthearted video message on a young woman's phone for her friend who couldn't attend.

“Leslie, I'm very sorry we're late,” he said with a smile, after confirming they were recording.

The video playfully included the caption: “POV — Prince William gives you the best excuse for being late.”

William's visit was not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it showcased his ongoing commitment to exploring innovative avenues in education and industry.

By promoting technological advancements and supporting the next generation, he aims to position Northern Ireland as a leader in creativity and innovation on the global stage.

As the prince continues to balance his royal duties with personal interests, moments like these remind us that even future kings have hobbies that connect them to their past.

Whether it's riding motorcycles or advocating for social causes, Prince William remains a relatable figure navigating both family life and public service.

His venture into virtual reality motorcycling may have been brief, but it certainly left an impression.

In a world where technology continues to evolve, it's refreshing to see a member of the royal family engaging with modern innovations while reflecting on the joys of simpler pastimes.