In a candid revelation, Prince William opened up about his absence from the Paris Olympics, shedding light on his decision to prioritize his family’s health over attending the games.
Speaking at a community pool in Burtley, northeast England, the Prince of Wales explained that he wanted to avoid bringing COVID-19 back home to his wife, the Princess of Wales.
Instead of being in Paris, he found himself glued to the screen, cheering on the athletes from afar.
During his visit, which aimed to promote the Royal Foundation’s initiative to improve swimming accessibility, William engaged with local Olympic and Paralympic swimmers.
The pool, which had faced closure due to budget cuts, recently reopened after raising an impressive £400,000 through crowdfunding efforts, government support, and a generous donation from the Royal Foundation.
William kicked off his visit with a spontaneous walkabout, delighting locals who eagerly snapped selfies with him.
Many fans had been waiting since early morning for the chance to meet the royal, showcasing the enthusiasm surrounding his presence.
Once inside the pool, he interacted with Olympians Adam Peaty and Tom Dean, as well as Paralympians Maisie Summers-Newton and Louise Fitts, who proudly displayed their hard-earned medals.
During a light-hearted exchange, Tom Dean asked the prince if he managed to make it to Paris.
With a hint of regret, William replied, “No, I was so keen to come, but I have to say after reading someone’s interview about COVID and seeing Adam Peaty test positive during the games, I decided against it.”
He continued, explaining that his wife’s ongoing chemotherapy made him particularly cautious about the risks of infection.
Despite not being there in person, William and Catherine kept a close eye on the events.
“We watched the whole thing.
We were glued to it every day,” he shared, emphasizing their commitment to supporting Team GB from home.
His comments highlighted the challenges many families face during the pandemic, balancing personal health concerns with the desire to support loved ones and national pride.