During a recent trip to Northern Ireland, Prince William took a nostalgic detour into a hobby he had set aside years ago due to his wife Kate Middleton‘s concerns.
On November 14, the Prince of Wales found himself in a virtual production studio at Ulster University’s Belfast City campus, where he couldn’t resist the allure of a stationary motorbike.
As he hopped onto the bike, he expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Any excuse to get on a motorbike!”
His playful spirit shone through as he pondered if it was possible to take the virtual ride for a spin.
The experience transported him to what felt like the Arizona desert, and he couldn’t help but admire the virtual bike’s exhaust, calling the simulation “incredibly realistic.”
Motorcycling was once a cherished pastime for William, but his passion faced a stern challenge when Kate voiced her fears about his safety.
During a visit to Dundee in 2015, she candidly admitted, “It always fills me with horror when he goes out on it.”
The couple’s eldest son, Prince George, was just a toddler then, and Kate expressed her hope of keeping him away from bikes altogether.
Fast forward three years, and during a visit to the Isle of Man in 2018, William reflected on his decision to hang up his helmet.
“I’m a dad of three.
I have to tone it down,” he remarked, acknowledging the growing responsibilities that came with expanding their family.
The arrival of Princess Charlotte in 2015 and Prince Louis in 2018 shifted his priorities, leaving him with bittersweet memories of past biking adventures.
William’s recent visit to Northern Ireland was initially slated for May but was postponed due to the UK general election.
This time around, his itinerary included two significant stops.
First, he visited the Foyer, a temporary accommodation service designed to support young individuals facing homelessness, part of his broader Homewards initiative aimed at tackling homelessness across the UK.
His next destination was Ulster University, where he aimed to spotlight the vital role of creative industries in the region.
Northern Ireland’s creative sector is booming, contributing an impressive $1.7 billion to the local economy and providing jobs for over 24,000 people.
A highlight of the visit was the announcement of Studio Ulster, a massive $91 million studio complex set to open in Belfast by 2025.
This project promises to further bolster the creative landscape of Northern Ireland and enhance its reputation in the film and television industry.
While at the university, the Prince even took a moment to record a light-hearted video message for a student named Leslie, who missed his visit.
With a charming smile, he said, “Leslie, I’m very sorry we’re late,” after ensuring the recording was underway.
The playful message was humorously captioned, “POV: Prince William gives you the best excuse for being late.”
This visit not only rekindled fond memories for William but also underscored his commitment to various social causes.
By engaging with young people and promoting creative industries, he continues to carve out a legacy that extends beyond royal duties.
