Royal figures have always fascinated the public, with their grand ceremonies and pristine images. While it may seem like they are always tied into royal obligations, these figures have also had a wide range of hobbies and activities to distract them from royal matters. In this context, let’s profile the various hobbies that the royals have enjoyed over the years.
The Importance of Royal Hobbies
Life as a royal is completely foreign to the common public as they have to commit to various duties, appearances and protocol that gives them very little time to explore their personal interests. For many royals, having a hobby isn’t just a way to blow off some steam as it also offers them mental relief, giving them an escape from their daily rituals. While some royals develop passions over time, other royals may have been introduced to certain activities early on, helping them to hone their skills in a specific area as they mature.
Hobbies of the Royals
King Edward VII
King Edward Vii was born in 1841 and was the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Long before he ever became King, he enjoyed gambling activities. In fact, he frequently visited land-based casino venues all over Europe such as the Casino de Monte-Carlo where he played baccarat and roulette. In his later life, he became even more engrained in casino culture, hosting exclusive card games at private clubs like White’s and The Marlborough Club. If online slots such as Big Bass Bonanza or Gonzo’s Quest existed in King Edward VII’s day, it’s likely he also would’ve tried them. Those who live in the present day can walk in King Edward VII’s footsteps by visiting an online casino where all sorts of casino games are available to play on your mobile device.
King Charles III
The current king, King Charles III, was born in 1948 and became king after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. Outside of his royal duties, Charles has a passion for protecting the environment and has stressed that climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. King Charles III is renowned for being a champion of organic, environmentally friendly farming, and for his green-fingered love of gardening. He started the Prince’s Rainforests Project, created Duchy Originals to sell organic food, and often gives speeches at big climate events like COP. At his home in Highgrove, he’s made large gardens with native plants, wildflowers, rare trees and organic vegetables. He avoids using chemicals and focuses on healthy soil and wildlife. He’s also written books about gardening, including The Garden at Highgrove, where he talks about working with nature and encourages others to do the same.
The Princess of Wales
Kate Middleton, also known as the Princess of Wales, is the wife of Prince William. She became Princess of Wales in 2022 after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Her relationship with William means she takes part in royal events such as the Trooping the Colour parade, the official celebration of the monarch’s birthday. She also attends state banquets and dinners when foreign leaders visit the UK, representing the royal family alongside William. However, she also has some talent of her own as she once showed off her impressive piano skills for the Together At Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey in 2021, having learned the musical instrument as a child. Playing the piano is commonly associated with royal circles as it showcases discipline and grace in aristocratic traditions. The late Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana are also reported to have enjoyed playing the piano.
The Duke of Sussex
Prince Harry is the son of King Charles III and Princess Diana. These days, he has made headlines because of his marriage to Meghan Markle and withdrawal from senior royal duties. Before Meghan, he was known for his love of polo and rugby, and during his youth, he was also a keen skier. Polo, rugby and skiing are connected to royal circles because they need special clubs and costly gear, showing the wealth and lifestyle of royals. Nowadays, he is passionate about working with charities, especially those associated with veterans because he served in the British army for a decade.
Final Thoughts
There are a wide variety of hobbies and interests that members of the Royal family take part in. The royals’ hobbies show that despite their busy and often strict lives, they find time for personal passions. Whether it’s King Charles’s gardening, Kate’s piano playing, or Harry’s love of polo and skiing, these interests reveal different sides of their personalities, giving them a break from royal duties and helping them to connect with the world in their own way. So, if you are looking to try out something new, why not pick up one of these hobbies enjoyed by the royals?