Skip to main contentSkip to footer
prince william kate middleton boat

Prince William reveals the one sport he can't beat Kate Middleton at

The couple are highly competitive!

Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
July 29, 2022
Share this:

Prince William and Duchess Kate are preparing to attend the Commonwealth Games next week in what promises to be the biggest sporting festival in the UK since the London Olympics a decade ago.

And while they'll be soaking up the action first-hand, the royals are known for their sporting prowess as well as enjoying a bit of healthy competition themselves. 

MORE: Best photos of the royals playing sports including Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more

The royal couple often display their competitive streaks during public engagements, from their dragon boat race back in 2011 to running against each other at a London Marathon training session in 2017.

WATCH: Duchess Kate plays tennis with children

But there is one field in which Prince William can never get the upper hand - tennis. It's no secret that Kate is a talented tennis player, having honed her skills on the court at the prestigious Hurlingham Club in London. Former number one Rod Laver can also vouch for the Duchess' competitiveness especially when it comes to playing her husband.

SEE: Inside Prince George's private tennis lessons with Wimbledon star Roger Federer

READ: See Kate Middleton's personal photos of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis

Speaking to the Daily Mail's Sebastian Shakespeare, the Australian shared: "I'd met William and Kate a few times, and in the Royal Box you get a chance to chat with them a little bit. They play tennis against each other. William told me he couldn't beat her."

prince william kate middleton running

Kate and William both have a competitive streak

Prince William might also find he has met his match with little Prince George. The seven-year-old has had private lessons from Roger Federer at the Middleton family home in Bucklebury.

kate middleton prince george wimbledon sunglasses© Photo: Getty Images

Prince George appeared to thoroughly enjoy his time at Wimbledon this year

Roger is a long-time friend of the Middleton family and he and his wife Mirka even attended Pippa's wedding to James Matthews in 2017.

During her 2019 visit to Wimbledon, Kate revealed George was a huge tennis fan and had been practising his swing with the sportstar. Asked about George's progress, Roger told reporters the little Prince showed promise, adding: "At that stage it's all about just touch the ball. It's already good. Same with my boys."

prince george wimbledon

It was the Prince's first time this year

Upon being informed that he was George's favourite tennis player, Roger said with a smile: "I think I have a little advantage that I actually spent some time, you know, with him. So maybe I'm the only player he's ever met, then you have a little head start in who is your favourite player." He added: "Look, he's a cute boy. I love to see that they're into tennis or into sports. Definitely. You know, his mum has always enjoyed tennis. That's it. I hope that he'll still say the same in a few years' time."

SHOP: Kate Middleton's next statement bag - revealed

This year, George attended his first ever trip to Wimbledon and looked happier than ever to be watching the pros during the men's final on the last day of the tournament, as he sat happily beside his parents, William and Kate.

Like this story? Sign up to our newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best royal coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Royalty

See more