6-11-2023 (SINGAPORE) It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to race alongside a British royal. However, that’s precisely what 19 paddlers experienced when Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, arrived in Singapore and joined the British Dragons Boat Racing Team for a training session at Marina Reservoir on November 6.
The Prince of Wales participated in a race on the reservoir, donning a white polo tee and a black cap. He could be seen paddling in the middle section of the boat. His team emerged victorious in the race, and he joined them for a chat, during which they praised him for his natural talent and precision.
The Prince modestly replied, “No, I love sports… I was following the key man in front of me,” while pointing to his boat’s captain, Chris Bosher.
Prince William’s boat triumphed over another boat captained by British High Commissioner Kara Owen. According to the crew members, this wasn’t Prince William’s first time dragon boating, as he mentioned that he had previously engaged in the sport during his school years and in Canada.
Kirthana Lakshman, the treasurer of the crew, described Prince William as “very competitive” and mentioned how he said, “Oh, we won by miles” right after the race. She also recalled that he found it to be a refreshing break from his usual routine during official visits, as he loves participating in sporty activities.
Bosher stated that it was a “real honor” for the team to race with His Highness, and he highlighted their team motto, which is “party hard, paddle hard.”
Prince William, 41, is in Singapore for the third annual Earthshot Prize ceremony, scheduled for November 7. During his visit, he will also meet with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana.
This marks Prince William’s second visit to Singapore, following his official trip in 2012 with his wife, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge.
Spot Prince William in the white T-shirt and black baseball hat ???????? Dragon boat race! pic.twitter.com/x3cbjHo3XA
— India McTaggart (@indiamctaggart) November 6, 2023
