The Princess of Wales, Catherine, is known for her diverse interests and hobbies.
Alongside her husband, Prince William, she enjoys activities such as photography, tennis, bike riding, and rowing.
However, there is one pastime that sets the royal couple apart – swimming.
In a recent episode of The Good, The Bad, and the rugby podcast, Princess Kate shared her love for cold water swimming, a hobby that Prince William finds a bit extreme.
Despite her husband's reservations, the mother of three confessed, “Personally, I love swimming.
Cold swimming.
The colder, the better.
I absolutely love it.”
She chuckled as she mentioned William's reaction, labeling her as “crazy” for seeking out dark, rainy, and cold waters.
Princess Kate even admitted to having a special robe for post-swim warmth, a detail she shared during a visit to Wales last year.
Reflecting on her childhood sports memories with siblings Pippa and James Middleton, Princess Catherine recalled fondly the exhilaration of playing hockey or netball in freezing rain.
She described the shared madness of braving adverse weather conditions for physical activities like climbing in the Lake District or Scotland and swimming from a young age.
Studies suggest that cold water swimming not only offers physical exercise but also mental health benefits.
Dr. Sarah Brewer, an independent medical nutritionist, highlighted how immersion in cold water stimulates endorphins, improving mood to combat stress, anxiety, and depression.
Ali Phillips, a wild swimming instructor, emphasized the therapeutic nature of cold water therapy, providing a respite from daily worries and promoting mindfulness.
Princess Catherine's journey to her fairy tale ending with Prince William at St. Andrew's University in 2001 was not without challenges.
Speculation arose about their brief split, reportedly triggered by William's decision not to spend New Year's Eve with the Middletons in 2006.
An eyewitness recalled seeing Catherine distressed during a phone call in a London office car park, hinting at a rift in their relationship.
Despite this setback, the couple reconciled, announced their engagement in 2010, and tied the knot the following year, eventually welcoming three children together.
In conclusion, Princess Kate's passion for cold water swimming not only sets her apart as a member of the royal family but also serves as a unique outlet for managing stress and staying active.
Her resilience in overcoming personal challenges reflects the complexities of relationships, demonstrating that even fairy tale romances have their ups and downs.
Through shared experiences and mutual growth, Princess Catherine and Prince William continue to navigate life's obstacles together, embodying a modern royal partnership rooted in love and perseverance.
