The Princess of Wales is known to have serious sporting prowess. Whether it's taking part in a training day with England Rugby or competing with her husband, Prince William, on a spin bike, the future Queen has a love for all things sport.
Now, Kate, 44, has revealed that she has a new sporting hobby, and it's a rather on-trend one. The royal explained while attending an official garden party with her husband at Buckingham Palace on Friday, that she enjoys playing padel.
© Alamy Stock PhotoChatting to representatives from the Lawn Tennis Association, she asked: "Have you adopted padel? I love padel, it’s such a good game, such a great leveller for those who don’t play tennis."
She told another guest: "It's so sociable and all generations can play - I play with my parents."
The Prince and Princess hosted the second garden party of the season on Friday on behalf of the King, ably supported by Zara Tindall and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
© WireImageAlthough the sport was invented in the 1960s, its popularity has surged in recent years, attracting everyone from A-list celebrities such as David Beckham and Eva Longoria to members of the royal family.
The Lawn Tennis Association describes padel as "the fastest-growing sport in the world" and as "an innovative form of tennis", with reports suggesting this due to the fact that anyone, from young children to grandparents, can pick up a racquet and play.
A stellar start to the season
The Prince and Princess hosted the second garden party of the season on Friday on behalf of the King, ably supported by Zara Tindall and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Kate dazzled guests, debuting a beautiful ensemble from one of her go-to brands, Self Portrait.
© Alamy Stock PhotoThe monochrome look comprised a structured white blazer on top, adorned with black buttons and a waist-cinching belt, along with an elegant chiffon-style pleated skirt covered in tiny black polka dots.
As for her accessories, the future Queen didn't shy away, adding a striking white hat with black floral detailing, and the pièce de résistance, a pair of delicate earrings which previously belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
