Skip to main contentSkip to footer
Prince William in Belfast© Getty

Prince William makes motorbike admission that would fill Princess Kate with 'horror'

The Prince of Wales visited Northern Ireland on Thursday

Danielle Stacey
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
November 14, 2024
Share this:

The Prince of Wales couldn't resist jumping back on a motorbike, albeit a stationary one, as he visited Northern Ireland on Thursday.

He tested out the special effects in the Virtual Production Studio at Ulster University's Belfast City Campus, appearing to ride the bike through the Arizona desert.

Watch below…

WATCH: Prince William “Rides” On A Motorbike

After being given a tour of the studio, William took control of a large film camera before taking his turn, saying: "Any excuse to get on a motorbike!"

"I feel like someone needs to take this for a real spin," he added, asking if it was possible to move it from its gimbal. 

William was keen to try out the bike© Getty
William was keen to try out the bike

 As he dismounted, renowned petrolhead William commented: "I love that exhaust" before calling the set "incredibly realistic".

 It's no secret that the Prince used to love riding motorbikes in his younger years, but his wife Kate once admitted that her husband's hobby "filled her with horror".

Prince William, Prince Of Wales tries out camera equipment in a state-of-the-art Virtual Production Studio© Getty
William takes his turn behind the camera

 During a visit to Dundee in 2015, Kate was asked if William still rode a motorbike, to which she replied: "He's still riding it. It always fills me with horror when he goes out on it. I'm terrified. Hopefully, I'm going to keep George off it."

William riding motorbike in 2009© Getty
William leaving a polo match on his motorbike in 2009

 But while visiting the Isle of Man in 2018, William said he wasn't riding anymore, adding: "I'm a dad of three. I have to tone it down. I miss the big trips, for me, biking was always about being with everybody else."           

Prince William, Prince Of Wales tries out camera equipment in a state-of-the-art Virtual Production Studio© Getty
William takes his turn behind the camera

The Prince of Wales's trip to Northern Ireland was due to take place in May this year but was postponed because of the UK general election.

He started the day with a visit to a project aimed at helping to prevent homelessness for young people leaving care.

William was welcomed to The Foyer, a temporary accommodation and support service for young people experiencing homelessness operated by the Simon Community.

The organisation is a member of the Northern Ireland element of the Homewards project aimed at tackling homelessness.

William also visited the Simon Community in Wales© Getty
William also visited the Simon Community in Wales

During his visit to The Foyer, William spoke to young people about their experiences and the support they have received and met leading practitioners in the sector to discuss some of the work being delivered in Northern Ireland to support young people leaving care.

Homewards Northern Ireland is looking to scale up initiatives such as the Simon Community’s Housing First For Youth service, which focuses on preventing homelessness, providing stable accommodation and community-based wraparound support to vulnerable young people leaving care.

With support from The Royal Foundation, Homewards will also deliver a housing project focused on supporting young people leaving the care system in Northern Ireland.

LISTEN: Remembrance, Earthshot and Camilla's BIG TV moment

ROYAL FAN? JOIN THE CLUB

Welcome to The HELLO! Royal Club, where thousands of royal fans like you get to delve deeper into the wonderful world of royalty every day. Want to join them? Just click the button below for a list of club benefits and joining information.

COMING UP...

  • The Royal Wardrobe festive special
  • The most extravagant royal Christmas ever

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