Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Daring Duchess! Sporty Kate goes back to her adventurous ways

Share this:

She can't be faulted for not trying! The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out of her comfort zone and had a go at abseiling during an engagement in North Wales on Friday. The athletic royal – who is a fan of tennis, hockey, sailing and skiing among other sports – can now add amateur abseiling to her repertoire.

Kate was visiting the Tower Outdoor Educational Centre in Snowdonia with her husband Prince William when the couple were offered the chance to abseil.

The Duke and Duchess, both 33, showed that they were game and eagerly donned their matching red jackets, helmets and harnesses.

kate middleton © Photo: Getty Images

Sporty Kate was more than willing to try her hand at abseiling

William was first to launch himself into the activity and shouted up to his wife, "Are you holding me?" to which Kate, who gripped onto the rope, replied, "I've got you!"

Giggling, Kate added to the instructors: "I'm quite enjoying this actually. For once I'm in control."

When asked how their insurance was, the Duchess jokingly added: "William, how much do you love me?"

kate middleton1 © Photo: Getty Images

The Duchess giggled and softly said "Bye" as she abseiled down

Next, it was Kate's turn to let go of her fears and the royal started to abseil down the outdoor wall. "Bye," she said softly as she lowered herself down, while chuckling to herself and the cameras above.

Not stopping there, the daring Duchess then ascended a 12m climbing wall, in a similar way to William.

"Not that we're competitive but if he does that, then I'm having to do it too!" said Kate as she nimbly followed her husband up.

kate middleton2 © Photo: Rex

Kate aged three and a half climbing a wall in the Lake District

William and Kate were visiting the centre as it is run by Mountain Rescue England and Wales, of which the Duke is a patron.

During their visit the couple met young people from a local school who have all undertaken anti-stigma and discrimination training, to increase their awareness of how to face mental health problems among their peers.

The focus of William and Kate's visit to Wales is on mental health in young people. Both the Duke and Duchess have been championing the issue for years, and earlier this week Kate revealed why she chooses to concentrate on the issue.

View post on Twitter

Kate and William's visit to North Wales focused on mental health in young people

"I often get asked why I decided to spend time highlighting the mental health of children," said Kate at a mental health conference. "My answer might be similar to many of yours. I was lucky. My parents and teachers provided me with a wonderful and secure childhood where I always knew I was loved, valued and listened to. But of course many children are not so lucky."

kate middleton6 © Photo: Getty Images

Prince William and Kate donned matching red jackets, helmets and harnesses

During their one-day visit to Wales, the Duke and Duchess also spent time with charity Mind, the Men's Shed movement and GISDA, an organisation that provides support to homeless youth in the area.

More Royalty

See more