King Charles Hangs Up Skis: Royal Tradition Ends

King Charles III, at 77, has indicated that his skiing days are behind him, marking the end of a cherished royal family tradition. These annual winter ski holidays, which spanned generations from his own childhood to holidays with Princess Diana and his sons, were reportedly halted due to concerns about potential injury ahead of the 2023 coronation, and subsequently due to his cancer diagnosis in early 2024. The family previously frequented resorts in the Swiss Alps and Austria.

Despite the King's retirement from the slopes, the tradition is being actively continued by his elder son, Prince William, and Catherine, Princess of Wales. They frequently take their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—on ski breaks, embracing the competitive spirit and shared enjoyment of the sport that characterized earlier royal ski trips. This commitment ensures the continuation of a beloved family pastime.

The significance of skiing to the royal family is further highlighted by its role in Prince William and Catherine's own history. The couple were famously photographed skiing together in Klosters, Switzerland, in 2004, a moment that brought their relationship into the public eye. They have continued to visit the resort, often accompanied by members of the Middleton family, reinforcing skiing's place within their shared experiences.