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Privacy NoticePrince William has opened up about the intense Covid concerns that kept him from attending the Paris Olympics this year, revealing his family’s dedication to watching the games from home. During a visit to Birtley Community Pool in Gateshead on Thursday 3 October, he met with British swimming stars Adam Peaty and Tom Dean, as well as Paralympians Maisie Summers-Newton and Louise Fiddes. Discussing the pandemic’s impact, William shared: “I was so keen to come but, I have to say, after reading someone’s interview about Covid I decided, because my wife was obviously having chemo, that I didn’t want to risk bringing Covid home.” He added, acknowledging Adam Peaty’s experience: “So Adam very kindly reminded me that was still a thing. But we watched the whole thing. We were glued to it every day.” The Prince of Wales also expressed his passion for swimming and how he and Kate are encouraging their children to embrace water sports, with George already taking up scuba diving at the age of 10. William enthused: “Catherine and I both adore swimming. George loves scuba diving. He’s 10 years old. We took him under thinking he would freak out. He absolutely loves it. It’s just introducing him to the world of water.”
Prince William met Olympians and Paralympians Adam Peaty, Tom Dean, Maisie Summers-Newton and Louise Fiddes
(Image: 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
Highlighting the importance of swimming facilities, he said: “We want to replicate this across the country because swimming is such an important part of life. We’re an island nation, we should all have access to learn how to swim.” Fresh from his controversial exit from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, Tom Dean couldn’t help but share a Royal tidbit after rubbing shoulders with Prince William. Chatting about his early departure from the dance competition, he revealed: “He (William) doesn’t watch it but his wife’s a big fan.” Smiling at the recent support from the prince he chuckled, “Robbery was the word he used. Very, very kind of him but it does give me a lot more free time to do stuff like this.” Taking a leisurely stroll in the glorious weather, the Prince, an ardent Aston Villa supporter, received a round of applause for his team’s stellar Champions League performance on Wednesday night against Bayern Munich. Snapping photos with fans, he admitted that the excitement had taken its toll: both he and his sons had lost their voices from cheering so passionately. Sign up to OK!’s royal newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free
The Prince of Wales chatted to swimmer Adam Peaty at Birtley Community Pool
(Image: 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
During his visit, Prince William took a tour of the centre, observing swimming lessons and admiring the diligence of lifeguard training sessions. He listened intently as he was informed about the alarming statistic that one in three children in the UK leaves primary school without knowing how to swim. The history of the pool served as a backdrop to the day’s events; opened back in 1974, it sadly shut its doors under the strain of financial woes in July 2023 as decided by Gateshead Council. Yet hope revived through community spirit, with locals rallying together, initiating a crowdfunding campaign to breathe new life into the facility. Local businesses and trades upped the ante, offering their skills to restore the cherished pool.
Prince William met with school children during his visit to the community funded pool
(Image: 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
In a move highlighting their commitment to the community, the Royal Foundation helmed by Prince William and Princess Catherine unveiled a partnership with Birtley Community Pool on Thursday. The collaboration aims to facilitate swimming lessons and ensure the availability of quality lifeguard training. This strategic alliance marks another step by the Royal Foundation to bridge partnerships that reinforce their dedication to communal endeavours and societal welfare. Prince William delivered an impassioned speech at a recent event, highlighting the importance of swimming and community pools. He said: “The next generation needs to know that swimming is important. It can save your life, it’s a great skill, it’s fun, it gives you health, there are social reasons, it is good for people who are isolated.” The Prince also took the opportunity to commend Yvonne Probert, the chair of Birtley Community Pool, for her dedication, saying: “It’s people like you, Yvonne, that get things done. Without your leadership, without your partnership, your bringing together, your drive, none of this would have happened at all you and your team.”Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnPrince WilliamWilliam and KateKate MiddletonAdam PeatyTom Dean
