In a display of their support for British athletes, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Scotland’s National Curling Centre in Stirling, where they tried their hand at the winter sport. The royal couple met with members of the Team GB and Paralympic GB curling teams, just a month before the Winter Olympics in Italy.
During their tour of the facility, the Prince and Princess were given a lesson in the art of curling by Bruce Mouat, the skip of the men’s curling team and one half of the mixed doubles. Mouat expressed his delight at the royal visit, stating, “It was wonderful, really nice that they came to wish us good luck for the next month we are about to embark on, both of them were lovely and willing to curl.”
The Prince and Princess were photographed enthusiastically participating in the sport, with Catherine appearing to have a “ball on the ice” as she celebrated a successful shot. William also showcased his skills, sliding the stone down the ice with guidance from the Team GB captain.
Curling has a rich history in Scotland, tracing its roots back to the 16th century. It has become one of the most successful winter sports for Team GB and Paralympic GB, earning six Olympic medals and two Paralympic medals to date. The National Curling Academy, which opened in 2017, provides a dedicated facility for British Curling athletes to train year-round, a significant improvement from the previous lack of high-quality ice facilities in the UK.
The royal couple’s visit not only highlighted their support for the British athletes but also their enthusiasm for embracing the country’s cultural traditions. The Prince and Princess of Wales expressed their intention to watch the upcoming Winter Olympics, a gesture that Mouat described as “mean[ing] a lot to us.”
This visit demonstrates the royal family’s continued commitment to supporting British sports and athletes, as they prepare to cheer on the nation’s curling teams in the upcoming Winter Games.
