Kate Middleton and Prince William visit a national sports center in Scotland
Kate Middleton and Prince William recently visited the National Curling Academy in Stirling, Scotland, on January 20, 2026. The royal pair met members of Great Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic curling teams and took part in a short curling session. In addition, both the Prince and Princess of Wales joined the athletes on the ice and learned how to throw curling stones during their visit.
William and Catherine are having way too much fun at this curling facilityðŸ¤#PrinceandPrincessofWales pic.twitter.com/h4qdaLIPlI
— Canellecitadelle (@Canellelabelle) January 20, 2026
Kate Middleton and Prince William impress professional curlers
Olympian Bruce Mouat said the couple behaved like regular visitors and were easy to talk to. He explained that it felt special to teach them how to curl.
“It was so cool, having the Prince and Princess shaking hands with us, chatting and wishing us good luck,” he then added. “I thought it was really special that they came along and I was honoured to have the opportunity to teach them how to curl.”
Olympian Jen Dodds, Mouat’s mixed-double partner and who trained with Princess Kate, said both royals were a little nervous but did very well for their first try. She added that trying the sport itself was impressive and showed real interest.
“You could tell they were a wee bit nervous,” she revealed. “Obviously, it’s not normal to slide about on the ice, but for a first attempt, they both did very well. I was impressed by both of them.”
William and Catherine compete at curling on a visit to Scotland today. Guess who won? 🥇 pic.twitter.com/euAUPYLu7z
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) January 20, 2026
British athletes prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy
Mouat and Dodds are preparing to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy after placing fourth in mixed doubles at the 2022 Games. Mouat previously won a silver medal with the men’s team, while Dodds helped secure a gold medal with the women’s team. If Dodds wins again, she would become the most decorated British Winter Olympian in history. If they secure more wins, that could probably earn them a meeting with the royal family. After winning the gold medal in 2022, Dodd and her team members had a reception at Buckingham Palace.
