Kate Middleton proves why she’s known as the “Sporty Spice Princess”
Kate Middleton is once again living up to her unofficial nickname, the “Sporty Spice Princess”, and this time she’s doing it pitch side. During a recent visit to Wakefield Trinity Rugby Club, the Princess of Wales opened up about her own sporting background and how that love of activity is rubbing off on her children.
According to People magazine, Kate said she played “loads of netball” at school but never tried her hand at rugby or football. These days, though, sport is very much a family affair at home. While Princess Charlotte is not officially signed up to rugby, Kate revealed she happily joins in when they play together as a family. Prince Louis, meanwhile, attends “Rugbytots” sessions, and Prince George is clearly taking things seriously.
“George, now, if we play at home, I do not want to get tackled by George!” the princess joked. Royal experts told Fox News Digital that Kate’s enthusiasm for sport has long been part of her appeal and that it comes as no surprise she’s passing that energy on to her children.
“Princess Catherine has definitely earned her nickname ‘Sporty Spice Princess,’” said British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard. She pointed out that Kate regularly throws herself into athletic activities during royal engagements, showing both skill and a strong competitive streak.
Chard listed everything from rugby drills at Twickenham and tennis with champions to high speed sailing and even field hockey in heels. More recently, Kate tried her hand at curling in Scotland. Chard also noted that Kate and Prince William are both accomplished deep sea divers with PADI Advanced qualifications and that Prince George has joined them spotting sharks during private holidays in Mustique.
While Kate and William share a deep love of sport, experts say there is one activity Kate enjoys that William has struggled to warm to.
“What’s unusual — and a surprise to many — is her penchant for wild, cold water swimming and dipping in streams and pools, often at night,” said royal expert Hilary Fordwich. William has previously called it her “craziest” hobby and described her as “slightly bonkers”, though Fordwich added that Kate finds it energising and good for her mood.
Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner agreed, saying William eventually gave it a go himself after some encouragement. Another expert, Richard Fitzwilliams, described the princess as “extremely sporty” and always keen to try new things. He also noted that Kate has spoken about how time outdoors helped her heal following her cancer diagnosis. She announced she was in remission in January 2025.
Since then, the family has moved to the outskirts of London, placing nature even more firmly at the centre of Kate’s daily life. Fitzwilliams added that her love of tennis is well known, especially as patron of Wimbledon, and that she reportedly has an “incredible forehand”. Skiing, archery and dragon boat racing have also featured on royal tours, giving them extra charm.
Kate’s connection to the outdoors has become a bigger part of her public image over the past year. Royal commentator Amanda Matta told Fox News Digital that framing nature as a hobby makes her feel grounded and relatable.
Beyond sport, Kate’s hands on approach continues in the kitchen. Experts revealed she enjoys cooking hearty meals for her family, from roast chicken to homemade sausages using her own sausage maker. It’s even been said the late Queen Elizabeth II was particularly fond of her efforts.
“She’s been described as an avid cook and a real foodie,” Chard said, adding that Kate’s children love classic dishes like toad in the hole and sausage and mash.
Taken together, her energy, hobbies and warmth continue to strike a chord with the public. As Fordwich put it, all of Kate’s talents make her appear relatable, dignified and authentic, qualities many see as central to her future role.