When you think of Prince William during his down-time, you might imagine him indulging in refined pastimes that suit a member of the royal family. However, he’s been enjoying one particular hobby that sparks a wild reaction from the future king.
During a visit to north Wales, the royal revealed that he’s taken to cold water swimming, according to the Daily Mail. While talking to a cold water group called the Colwyn Bay Blue Tits, he opened up about swimming in the chilly water in Scotland, saying, “You feel great afterwards.”
“I love it,” he added. Although he also admitted, “I do a lot of yelling and screaming when I get in.”
That’s understandable.
His thoughts on cold water swimming are also a bit different from what he used to think about the icy hobby.
Prince William Used to Think Cold Water Swimming Was ‘Crazy’
GettyAlthough Prince William may now enjoy a dip in chilly water, he didn’t always think it was a great idea.
The Daily Mail pointed out that back in 2023, Kate Middleton — or nowdays, Catherine, Princess of Wales — noted that she was into cold water swimming. She also revealed that her husband wasn’t on board with the idea.
During a chat on Mike Tindall’s “The Good, The Bad & The Rugby Podcast,” the princess said, “I really, genuinely love all sports. Personally, I love swimming wherever I can.”
“Cold swimming — the colder, the better,” she added. “I absolutely love it. Slightly to the point where William’s [saying], ‘You’re crazy’ and it’s dark and it’s raining.”
She continued by saying, “I will go and seek out cold water. I love it.”
Is Cold Water Swimming Good for You?
CanvaWhile swimming in cold water seemingly makes you feel good, there may also be other benefits to spending a little time in a freezing lake or pool.
“Cold-water swimming is surging in popularity, particularly in northern Europe, where groups such as the BluetitsChill Swimmers eschew tropical beach vacations in favor of frigid winter dips,” according to Scientific American. “Celebrity practitioners, including actors Kate Winslet and Bradley Cooper, have enhanced this icy pastime’s cachet.”
Apparently, “[a]s far back as 400 B.C.E., Hippocrates claimed that cold-water swimming relieves fatigue. Aficionados have since credited it with benefits ranging from improved sleep to enhanced libido.”
“You never find anybody who’s doing this activity who says it isn’t great,” said James B. Mercer, an emeritus physiologist at UiT the Arctic University of Norway and lead author of a scientific review of 104 studies on cold-water immersion.
He added, “They all swear by it. They think it’s the most wonderful thing in the world.”
