Prince William reveals why he had to miss cheering on Team GB at the Paris Olympics

The Prince of Wales has revealed he was keen to get to this summer’s Olympics to cheer on Team GB but decided to stay home, to protect his wife’s health.

Prince William said he had wanted to get to Paris to show his support for the athletes but was worried he might get Covid while he was there. At the time of the Olympics, the Princess of Wales was still undergoing chemotherapy and her husband was worried he could impact her treatment by bringing home an illness.

William made the revelation while discussing the importance of swimming with one of Team GB’s most famous aquatic stars, Adam Peaty.

The two were at Birtley Community Pool in Tyne and Wear to highlight the importance of swimming lessons for children and young people.

Although swimming is part of the curriculum for primary school children, access to pools is limited. One in three children leave primary education unable to swim.

The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales also announced a partnership with Birtley to provide swimming lessons and life saving training. It will help 16,000 people, including over 6,000 youngsters, to take part in swimming activities every month.

As well as providing vital skills, it will also encourage children to enjoy swimming.

Team GB’s swimming stars enjoyed another hugely successful Olympics, bringing back four silvers and one gold.

The Paris Olympics were a big hit with royals from around Europe with many sending multiple members of their regal families to cheer on stars. In the end, the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh all made long visits to the Games to support Team GB.