ROYAL FAMILY

Princess Charlotte’s surprising new talent has a special connection to Kate Middleton


Her mother has reportedly been helping Charlotte develop her shooting technique at home


Princess Charlotte’s unexpected talent revealed and how Kate Middleton inspired her© Max Mumby/Indigo
Daniel NeiraSenior Writer
UPDATED AUGUST 18, 2026 5:39 PM EDT

Princess Charlotte is carving out an impressive sporting identity of her own, with the 11-year-old royal reportedly taking part in a high-level travel netball team that competes across England.

The daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales has joined an exclusive out-of-school team, giving her the opportunity to compete against strong opposition at venues around the country. 

Princess Charlotte honors Princess Diana with meaningful bracelet and Kate Middleton-inspired hairstyle© Karwai Tang
Princess Charlotte is exploring a range of sports and activities as she follows her own athletic path.

Her growing commitment to the sport has also given Prince William and Princess Kate a chance to embrace one of the most familiar roles in family life.

According to a new report from the Daily Mail, Charlotte’s team competes at a high level “all over the country.” One source told the publication that parents on opposing teams have even wondered whether they might encounter William and Kate at 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,” the source said.

Princess Charlotte coordinated with mom Kate Middleton as the mother-daughter duo embraced polished summer style in Glasgow.© WPA Pool
Prince William has spoken proudly about Princess Charlotte’s achievements in athletics.

The source described the Waleses’ involvement as “very hands-on,” noting that the royal couple are undertaking the early starts, long drives and sidelines duties that come with competitive youth sport.

Charlotte’s interest in netball appears to be developing into a serious sporting commitment. Her team recently faced Notting Hill & Ealing High in a memorable quarter-final, highlighting the competitive level at which she is playing.

Her mother has reportedly been helping Charlotte develop her shooting technique at home, reflecting Kate’s own longstanding enthusiasm for team sports.


Among all of Princess Charlotte accessories, velvet bows remain one of the easiest to copy.© Getty Images
Princess Charlotte has developed a strong passion for sport, with Kate Middleton supporting her every step of the way.

Kate has frequently encouraged all three of her children to be active, with the Wales family taking an inclusive approach to sport. Charlotte’s sporting interests extend well beyond netball, and she has built a reputation within the family for her energy, determination and physical ability.

A royal with many sports talents:

Netball is only one part of Charlotte’s athletic repertoire. Prince William has previously revealed that his daughter competes in the 400-meter sprint and hurdles. She is also passionate about gymnastics and ballet, activities that have helped develop the flexibility and coordination that she brings to her other sports.

Princess Charlotte's mischievous side comes out around this surprising royal© Karwai Tang
Princess Charlotte has developed a strong passion for sport, with Kate Middleton supporting her athletic interests.

Charlotte’s love of gymnastics was on display during the family’s visit to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. While meeting Welsh athletes at Wales House, William and Kate spoke about their children’s sporting interests, including Charlotte’s enthusiasm for gymnastics and ballet.

Charlotte even received a signed Team Wales leotard from gymnasts Abigail and Emily Roper.

The family also discussed Prince Louis’ developing gymnastic abilities. Kate told him that he was “perfecting” his handstand, only for Louis to acknowledge that he was still working on it. 

Kate Middleton shares the one Wimbledon photo that says everything about her bond with Princess Charlotte© Karwai Tang
Kate Middleton has encouraged Princess Charlotte’s love of sport from a young age.

Charlotte, meanwhile, admitted that she could perform a handstand and apparently had some opinions about her younger brother’s technique.

“Charlotte says I’m not very good,” Louis said. The exchange offered a glimpse of the playful competitiveness that appears to run through the Wales children.

Kate’s influence on Charlotte:

Charlotte’s sporting interests have naturally drawn comparisons with her mother, who has long championed the benefits of team sports and physical activity.

Princess Charlotte’s unexpected talent revealed and how Kate Middleton inspired her© Max Mumby/Indigo
Princess Charlotte’s unexpected talent revealed and how Kate Middleton inspired her

Kate serves as patron of the Rugby Football Union and the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, and she has regularly demonstrated her enthusiasm for competitive sport. Her influence appears to have encouraged Charlotte to explore several disciplines rather than concentrating on a single activity.

The Princess of Wales has also spoken about the importance of children enjoying sport together, regardless of whether they are boys or girls. Within the Wales household, Charlotte, George and Louis have all developed their own sporting interests while sharing plenty of activities as siblings.

Prince Louis and Prince George's favorite sports:

Charlotte is not the only sporty member of the family. Prince George has developed a strong interest in field hockey and soccer and also plays rugby at school. 

As he has grown into his teenage years, Kate has joked about how quickly he is growing and admitted that she would rather not be tackled by him on the lawn.

What happens to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis’ titles when William becomes king?© Max Mumby/Indigo
What happens to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis’ titles when William becomes king?

Prince Louis, meanwhile, has been described by Kate as a fearless and energetic competitor. He has taken part in Rugbytots sessions, plays touch rugby and soccer, and is developing an interest in cricket.

Charlotte stands out for the sheer variety of her activities. Alongside competitive netball, she participates in running and hurdles, gymnastics, ballet and other forms of dance, as well as soccer and rugby.