Princess Charlotte Channels Her Inner Kate Middleton & Embraces Her Sporty Side.

 

Princess Charlotte Channels Her Inner Kate Middleton & Embraces Her Sporty Side.

Princess Charlotte is growing up fast and like many pre-teens, she's getting involved in extracurricular activities. The 11-year-old seems particularly interested in sports — her mother, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has proven herself to be one of the most athletic royals, so it's not a huge surprise Charlotte is following in her footsteps. Charlotte has reportedly joined a netball team that travels all over the country to play matches.

"All of the parents of the girls on the opposing teams are wondering whether or not they're going to run into William and Kate," an unnamed source told The Mail on Sunday. "It's all very hands on, and it would be funny to see them in such a down-to-earth environment, doing the early starts and long drives that everyone else has to do." William and Kate have worked to keep their kids as grounded as possible, so it seems likely that they'd show up to cheer for Charlotte's games like any other parents.

Netball is primarily a game for women and girls, and it's particularly popular in the U.K. It's a bit like basketball, in that you're trying to get the ball in a hoop, but there's no dribbling, just passing. Charlotte has been able to watch netball played by professionals. The entire Wales family watched the netball semi-finals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in August 2026. Perhaps Charlotte picked up some pointers for her own team?

Princess Charlotte enjoys all kinds of sports.

This wouldn't be the first time Princess Charlotte has shown a love for athletics. While at the Commonwealth Games, the family met with athletes representing Wales, and Prince William said Charlotte "loves gymnastics and ballet," according to The Sun. She's also into running, including the hurdles. All of it goes to show that while the princess may be third in line for the throne, Charlotte is a lot like other kids.

During a visit to a rugby club in West Yorkshire in January 2026, Catherine, Princess of Wales, was asked about the sports she played, and Kate said "loads of netball" (via People). She also confirmed that Charlotte "does loads of sports, but not much rugby yet." We'd like to think that Kate is giving Charlotte some tips on how to improve her netball skills. Kate certainly sees the value of athletics from her own personal experience. As she said in a speech at St. Andrews in Berkshire — where Kate went to school — back in 2012, "It was while I was here at school that I realized my love of sport. Sport has been a huge part of my life, and I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities I had to get outside and play in such wonderful open spaces."

Time will tell if Charlotte sticks with netball as her sport of choice as she grows older, or if she really follows in her mother's footsteps and takes up field hockey. Kate was captain of the field hockey team when she was at Marlborough College.

Princess Charlotte has increasingly drawn comparisons to her mother, Catherine, Princess of Wales, as reports and family appearances highlight her growing passion and competitive drive across multiple sports.

Where Charlotte Is Following in Kate's Footsteps.

Competitive Netball: Much like Kate who played netball throughout her school years Charlotte has taken up the sport competitively. Recent reports revealed that Charlotte plays for a high-level club outside of school that travels to tournaments across England, with Kate regularly helping her practice shooting drills at home.

Track & Gymnastics: Prince William has noted that Charlotte is an avid runner competing in the 400-meter sprint and hurdles, while also excelling in gymnastics and ballet for strength and coordination.

Hands On "Sports Parents": William and Kate have fully embraced the typical sideline routine of youth athletics, taking on early morning drives, tournament travel, and matchday cheering alongside other parents.

A Shared Competitive Streak: Royal observers and family acquaintances have often pointed out that Charlotte shares Kate’s natural athleticism and famously spirited, competitive nature when playing backyard games and team sports.

Tags: Queen, Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince Louis, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Meghan, Lilibet

Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email thuongvietland@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you.