Prince William rekindled his former motorcycling passion during a visit to Northern Ireland yesterday, albeit in virtual form.
The Prince of Wales, 42, took to a stationary motorbike at Ulster University’s Virtual Production Studio in Belfast, where he experienced a simulated ride through what appeared to be the Arizona desert.
“Any excuse to get on a motorbike!” the future king remarked enthusiastically.
Clearly impressed by the technology, William asked if the bike could be moved from its fixed position.
Prince William rekindled his former motorcycling passion during a visit to Northern Ireland yesterday, albeit in virtual form.
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“I love that exhaust,” he commented as he dismounted, praising the experience as “incredibly realistic.”
The virtual ride marked a nostalgic return to a hobby the prince gave up in 2018 for family reasons.
“I’m a dad of three. I have to tone it down,” he explained during a visit to the Isle of Man that year, adding: “I miss the big trips. For me, biking was always about being with everybody else.”
His wife Kate had previously expressed concerns about his motorcycling hobby during a 2015 visit to Dundee.
The Prince of Wales, 42, took to a stationary motorbike at Ulster University’s Virtual Production Studio in Belfast.
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“He’s still riding it,” she said at the time. “It always fills me with horror when he goes out on it. I’m terrified.”
She also hoped to keep their eldest son away from motorcycles, stating: “Hopefully I’m going to keep George off of it.”
William undertook two key engagements focused on tackling youth homelessness and supporting the creative industries sector during his time in Northern Ireland.
Prince William’s first stop was The Foyer, a temporary accommodation service operated by Simon Community, where he discussed initiatives to prevent homelessness among young people leaving care.
William’s appearance in Northern Ireland came on King Charles’s 76th birthday.
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He later toured Ulster University’s creative facilities, exploring their virtual production capabilities and learning about plans for the £72m Studio Ulster project.
The Homewards programme, which Prince William champions through The Royal Foundation, aims to tackle this pressing issue by developing innovative housing solutions.
William’s appearance in Northern Ireland came on King Charles’s 76th birthday.