Prince William and Kate Middleton love this household hobby, but he admits one of them is definitely better at it

Prince William and Kate Middleton once lived together in North Wales and he returned this week for a special reason

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge smile during a royal visit to Manor Farm in Little Stainton, Durham on April 27, 2021
(Image credit: Photo by Owen Humphreys - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Prince William and Kate Middleton share a love for one household hobby, although as he admitted during a visit to North Wales, one of them definitely takes the lead.


Prince William and Kate Middleton once lived together in relative privacy in North Wales during his time as a search and rescue pilot. It was announced in 2013 that the Duke of Cambridge was retiring from this post and he later went on to become a full time working royal. William and Kate now split their time between their London residence, Kensington Palace, and their country home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk. 

However, William got to return to North Wales this week as he learnt how the communities have coped during the pandemic. During his visit, William traveled to the town of Rhyl, where he heard from people involved in Brighter Futures, an organization set up to support children, young people, families, older generations and much more.

William also got to hear about Rhyl's Men’s Shed. There are over 600 sheds across the UK, with the aim to bring the men together to share skills and knowledge, as well as making social connections.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge during a visit to Brighter Futures on May 6, 2021 in Rhyl, Wales

(Image credit: Photo by Peter Byrne - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

It was here that William is understood to have made a personal revelation about his and Kate’s love for a particular hobby. According to PEOPLE, William shared that Kate generally does all the gardening at home, as although he enjoys it, he lacks her experience and know-how.

“My wife does all the gardening. I really like it, but I have no idea what I'm doing,” William explained. 

ITV.com reports that Brian Penney, a co-ordinator for Men’s Sheds, said afterwards: “He told me Kate is getting him into gardening. She's going to get him Monty Don's book.”

And if anyone can help William hone his gardening skills, it’s Kate. The Duchess of Cambridge has showcased her expertize in the past, as she helped design a stunning Back to Nature Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2019.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge shares a joke with staff during a visit to Brighter Futures on May 6, 2021 in Rhyl, Wales

(Image credit: Photo by Peter Byrne - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

It certainly got the Cambridge family's seal of approval as Kate made a secret visit to her Chelsea Flower Show garden with her children to water it. William and Kate also took to social media to share a series of pictures of their young family enjoying the tranquil space for the first time ahead of it opening to the public. 

Kate is also passionate about encouraging children to get outside and experience nature. During the recent lockdown, it was reported that Kate had been particularly keen to ensure her children also learnt outdoors.

“Kate has been interested in how outdoor learning can benefit children. She got to meet children who had lessons outside and ask how they enjoyed it. She saw the benefit first-hand,” royal expert Katie Nicholl explained to OK! Magazine.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visits the 'Back to Nature Garden' garden, that she designed along with Andree Davies and Adam White, during her visit to the 2019 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London on May 20, 2019

(Image credit: YUI MOK/AFP via Getty Images)

“Kate is aware of screen time and tries to limit the children being exposed to too much. When the children have a break, she takes them outside, come rain or shine.

"She wants them to get fresh air and be in nature. She loves to pick vegetables with them in the gardens. If they are learning about rivers or the sea, she and William try to incorporate that into their walks,” she explained.

And it seems Kate and William’s love of nature and all things outdoors really shows in the way they approach gardening at home.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!