Kate Middleton "doesn't like" a popular royal pastime an expert says. (Image: ITV/YouTube)
The Princess of Wales “doesn’t like” riding horses because of a health condition, meaning she can’t take part in popular Royal Family pastimes such as playing polo.
Kate Middleton “doesn’t like” a hobby that Princess Anne and her own children are said to take part in.
The Princess of Wales reportedly doesn’t enjoy horseback riding, despite it being a popular pastime among the Royals. Princess Anne is among those who enjoy riding, even taking part in the three-day event at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games.
Prince George, 11, and Princess Charlotte, nine, are also believed to be keen equestrians, having taken up riding on a pony borrowed from Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall three years ago. Their father Prince William was said to be “thrilled” to see the youngsters engaging with the sport.
The passion for horses appears to be inherited from Queen Elizabeth II, who herself was a keen equestrian. The late Queen first started riding at just two years old, continuing to do so until she was into her nineties.
And while Anne was hospitalised earlier this year having reportedly been kicked by a horse, she was back presenting racing awards at Ascot in Berkshire this week. Speaking on the Palace Confidential podcast, the Daily Mail’s Jo Elvin said: “I think you can’t be royal and not love horses.”
To which the paper’s Editor at Large, Charlotte Griffiths replied: “Catherine doesn’t. She doesn’t like riding, I think she’s allergic to them.”
Kate’s horse allergy has in the past meant she has had to miss out on events traditionally undertaken by royals. Australian author Kathy Lette previously revealed the princess was once unable to take part in a polo match because of her allergies.
“I’m allergic to horses,” Kate is reported to have said to Lette during the polo match, before adding: “But the more time one spends with them the less allergic you become’.”
However, Kate has since been spotted closer to horses and in 2019 was seen holding a young Prince Louis close to an animal so he could pet it. It came as she attempted to overcome the allergy through exposure – something known as immunotherapy.
