Kate Middleton enjoyed an “inspiring” weekend at the Royal Ballet before heading to Scotland with Prince William for a series of royal engagements.
The Princess of Wales, 44, shared her thanks to the Royal Ballet and Opera on Monday, Jan. 19, after attending their performance of Woolf Works, an Olivier-winning ballet triptych inspired by Virginia Woolf. The production was created by resident choreographer Wayne McGregor and features an original score by Max Richter.
“Thank you to the Royal Ballet for an amazing evening of creative inspiration at Woolf Works this weekend!” Kate captioned her Instagram Stories post, signing off with her initial “C” for Catherine to indicate the message came directly from her.
A Longtime Ballet Enthusiast
Kate’s appreciation for ballet is well-documented. In 2024, she made a rare public appearance just two weeks after announcing the completion of her chemotherapy treatment to attend a matinee performance of Giselle by the English National Ballet at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London.
Following that performance, she took to social media to express her admiration.
“Congratulations and thank you to @ENBallet and @Sadlers_Wells for the wonderfully powerful, moving and inspiring performance of Akram Khan’s Giselle. Creativity at its best!” she wrote on X, accompanied by a photo of artists on stage.
The Princess has also introduced her daughter, Princess Charlotte, 10, to the art form, taking her to ballet performances in the past.
Scotland Engagements Begin
The weekend cultural outing served as a personal moment before Kate and Prince William, 43, traveled to Scotland on January 20, 2026, for official engagements. Their visit focused on Stirling and Falkirk, highlighting beloved Scottish landmarks and traditions.
The Kelpies Visit
The royal couple’s first stop was The Kelpies in Falkirk, where they posed for photos alongside the 30-meter-tall steel horse-head sculptures. These impressive structures, created by sculptor Andy Scott, form the eastern gateway of the Forth and Clyde Canal and were completed in 2013.
The kelpies represent shape-shifting mythical creatures from Scottish folklore that are said to inhabit the country’s famous lochs.
Curling with Olympic Athletes
From Falkirk, William and Kate traveled to the National Curling Academy in Stirling, where they met with members of Great Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic curling teams. The royal couple didn’t just observe – they participated in the sport themselves.
During a practice round with Olympic athletes, both took turns “throwing rocks,” the term for sliding curling stones across the ice. While Prince William had a smoother throw and remarked that his teammates were “hardcore sweeping,” it was Kate who emerged victorious with her stone reaching its target.
Adding to the achievement, she accomplished this while wearing a skirt – a fashion choice that didn’t hinder her athletic performance.
A Pattern of Competitive Success
This isn’t the first time the Princess has outperformed her husband while dressed up. In February 2023, during a visit to South Wales, Kate previously beat William in a spinning competition – also while wearing a skirt.
The recent Scotland visit showcased the couple’s ability to balance official duties with genuine engagement in local activities. Their interactions with Olympic and Paralympic athletes highlighted their support for British sports, while their visit to The Kelpies demonstrated appreciation for Scottish cultural landmarks.
Royal Cultural Engagement
Kate’s attendance at Woolf Works continues her pattern of supporting the arts, particularly ballet. Her personal message of thanks to the Royal Ballet reflects her genuine enthusiasm for creative performances and her understanding of the importance of cultural institutions.
The timing of her cultural outing – just before official engagements – suggests the Princess maintains a balance between personal interests and royal responsibilities. Her ability to share these experiences through social media, while maintaining appropriate royal protocol, has become a hallmark of her public role.
The weekend’s activities, from ballet inspiration to curling victory, demonstrate the Princess of Wales’s multifaceted public persona – equally comfortable appreciating high culture and participating in winter sports with Olympic athletes.
