Race Day with Royalty: Prince William Joins Singapore’s Dragon Boat Team
Imagine paddling alongside a member of the British royal family—how cool is that? On November 6, 19 lucky paddlers got to experience just that when Prince William arrived in Singapore for a training session with the British Dragon Boat Racing Team at Marina Reservoir. The excitement was palpable as the Prince of Wales took to the water, dressed in a crisp white polo tee and a black cap, ready to race.
A Thrilling Race Experience
The atmosphere was electric as Prince William joined his team for a friendly competition. Paddling in the middle of the boat, he led his crew to victory against a team captained by British High Commissioner Kara Owen. After the race, the Prince chatted with his teammates, who praised him for being a “natural” on the water, noting that he “didn’t miss a stroke.”
Humbly, Prince William shared his love for sports and model building, attributing his success to following the lead of his captain, Chris Bosher. Bosher remarked how engaged the Prince was throughout the race. Interestingly, this wasn’t Prince William’s first dragon boating experience; he had paddled before during his school days and even in Canada.
A Competitive Spirit
It was clear that His Royal Highness brought his competitive edge to the race. “Seriously guys, I want to win this,” he declared, motivating his team to give it their all. Kirthana Lakshman, the crew’s treasurer, noted how the Prince had done his homework, understanding his role in the race. After their impressive win, he joyfully exclaimed, “Oh, we won by miles!”
Bosher highlighted how dragon boating provided a refreshing change from the Prince’s usual schedule during official visits. He loved the chance to engage in sports, making this experience a perfect fit for him. “Our team motto is party hard, paddle hard, and I think he thoroughly embraced that,” Bosher added.
Strengthening Ties and Creating Memories
Prince William, 41, is in Singapore for the third annual Earthshot Prize ceremony happening on November 7. His visit not only brings excitement but also strengthens the bonds between Singapore and the United Kingdom. It’s a wonderful opportunity for Singaporeans to connect with the British royal family, creating lasting memories for all involved.
This marks the Prince’s second visit to Singapore, following his official trip with his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, back in 2012.
For more details on the Earthshot Prize and Prince William’s initiatives, check out the official website here.
In conclusion, Prince William’s visit is more than just a royal affair; it’s a celebration of sports, camaraderie, and international friendship. How often do we get to say we paddled with a prince?