The Princess of Wales appeared deep in conversation with Sir Chris Hoy on Saturday, sharing a notably warm exchange with the Olympic cycling great at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Sir Chris, widely regarded as one of Britain’s finest cyclists, is living with terminal stage four prostate cancer. Kate, meanwhile, underwent six months of chemotherapy two years ago following her own cancer diagnosis.
Footage of the pair speaking at length over the weekend has since spread widely online, prompting royal fans to praise the sincere moment. Many suggested their discussion may have touched on cancer, his treatment, his wellbeing and family life.
After Prince William, 44, said his farewell to Sir Chris, he guided Prince George, 13, Princess Charlotte, 11, and eight-year-old Prince Louis towards their car.
Kate, however, remained behind a little longer, continuing to speak respectfully with the cycling legend. Sir Chris was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023, and the illness was confirmed as terminal the following year. He has previously said doctors gave him between two and four years to live after the cancer spread to his bones.
As the conversation continued, a bodyguard stood patiently by the door while the future Queen stayed focused on the six-time Olympic champion.
On X, one user said Kate looked “genuinely engrossed in the conversation” with Sir Chris, 50. Another described the moment as “one thing amongst many” that explains why Prince William’s wife is “so loved.”
The Scottish sportsman, who was appointed MBE in 2005 for services to cycling, has a friendly connection with Kate. She invited him to her annual Together at Christmas carol concert in 2024, shortly after publicly sharing that she had completed chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer.
The six-time Olympic gold medallist was supported by his wife, Sarra.
The Princess of Wales was deep in conversation with Sir Chris Hoy at the Commonwealth Games on Saturday, with both having high-profile cancer battles
A video of the Waleses in Glasgow showed William, 44, leading Prince George, 13, Princess Charlotte and eight-year-old Prince Louis into their car. But Kate remained with Sir Chris
But Kate appeared respectful as she waited until the end of her chat with the British cycling legend, who was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in 2024, before walking to the car
Earlier, Sir Chris Hoy gave William, Kate and their children a tour
For Saturday’s engagement, the Princess mixed and matched pieces from American brands with accessories from some of her most-worn homegrown labels.
Kate, who was named last week by Tatler magazine as the ‘Best Dressed in Britain’, styled an impeccably tailored green Ralph Lauren blazer with a striped sweater vest from La Ligne NYC and a flowing white skirt for a look that felt polished yet effortless.
She wore a pair of tan slingback pumps from the British designer Camilla Elphick and finished the outfit with a small, handwoven tote handbag from Anya Hindmarch as well as jewellery from Kiki McDonough and Daniella Draper.
The princess picked one of her signature hairstyles for the occasion, as she wore her bronde locks in mermaid waves, while keeping her makeup looking fresh, dewy and natural.
Princess Charlotte wore a polka-dot navy blue dress and took after her mother and had her hair curled for the occasion.
Her two brothers wore smart blue and white shirts, while William also opted for a smart blazer.
Kate and William – who are known by their Scottish titles, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, when visiting the country – and their children attended the penultimate day of the ‘Friendly Games’ in Glasgow.
The family joined spectators, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, to watch a packed sporting schedule involving the world’s best competitors.
Prince George, who celebrated his 13th birthday last week, was pictured sitting next to his father, William.
William was spotted chatting to his sons throughout the match, pointing at the players and explaining the play.
Charlotte, meanwhile, regularly turned to speak to Kate, whispering to her mother during the match.
The Wales family leave the Commonwealth Games arena in Glasgow on Saturday afternoon
(L-R) The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince George and Prince Louis share a smile together as they watch cycling at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow
Charlotte is seen chatting to Princess Kate at the SEC Centre during the Commonwealth Games
The Prince and Princess of Wales share a laugh as they watch the cycling in Glasgow
The Princess of Wales, known as the Duchess of Rothesay when in Scotland, and Prince George leave the Hydro Arena after attending the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
The royals also met Team Wales athletes and their families on Saturday.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis revealed their favourite sports as they sat and chatted with the sportsmen and women on what was the final stop of their busy day at the Commonwealth Games.
And when Welsh TV presenter Gethin Jones asked George if he wanted to see his parents team up on a tandem in the velodrome, the 13-year-old quickly replied ‘no,’ clearly embarrassed by the prospect.
The family of five received a warm welcome from the Welsh athletes and their families as they arrived at Wales House in the centre of Glasgow.
William and Catherine led their children over to speak to identical twin gymnasts Abigail and Emily Roper who won bronze medals within an hour of each other earlier in the week.
They chatted with the athletes and their proud parents for over five minutes, asking about their achievements and how they prepared for the Games.
Catherine asked: ‘And what are you doing? As Charlotte was asking, are you doing a lot of stretching and conditioning?’
The royals seemed to enjoy themselves at the velodrome on the penultimate day of the Games
Later George was seen chatting animatedly with his sister and father
The family looked delighted and cheered as the match came to an end
Princess Charlotte high-fived the mascot as she met with volunteers and athletes
They nodded and said they do a mix of both to ensure they’re strong and flexible.
The future Queen then turned to her youngest and said: ‘Louis, you’re perfecting your handstand at the moment.’
‘A bit,’ he said, with his arms crossed, ‘But Charlotte says I’m not very good.’
The Roper twins then asked if Charlotte can do one, and she said ‘yeah’.
When they asked George the same question, he and Catherine laughed as the young prince told them: ‘I’m rubbish at anything that involves flexibility.’
Charlotte then told them that her favourite part of gymnastics is the floor, with her mum adding: ‘Charlotte likes her dancing.’
Overhearing the conversation, William said: ‘She loves gymnastics and ballet.’
Having already learned that the young princess enjoys the sport, the Welsh gymnasts presented her with a Team Wales leotard that has been signed by the athletes.
The family were then asked to update the medal table, as two more gold medals had been won by Team Wales.
Prince Louis took the giant No7 sticker and placed it on the board.
He returned to his father’s side with his head bowed shyly, with William telling him well done and rubbing his back.
William, George, Charlotte and Louis then sat down with Para-athletes Aled Davies, and Olivia Breen, and 400m runner Charlotte Henrich, while mum Catherine stayed talking to the gymnasts.
The children were involved in the conversation, with Louis revealing that he recently participated in his first sports day at school and George telling them that his favourite event is the javelin.
Joining them at the table, Catherine was told: ‘Louis was saying he likes high jump.’
She turned to her son and asked, ‘Louis, you like high jump?’
‘Yeah,’ he replied moodily, prompting several of the athletes to burst out laughing and William joking: ‘That’s news to us!’
