It's official: Swimming is the royal family's secret weapon for raising confident kids! Arthur, Pippa Middleton's son, recently celebrated his seventh birthday, and it turns out he shares a passion for the water with his cousin, Prince George. But why is swimming such a big deal for these young royals? Let's dive in!
Arthur's mother, Pippa Middleton, revealed in Waitrose magazine shortly after Arthur's birth on October 15, 2018, that she introduced him to swimming at just four months old. She explained that swimming has given him a great deal of confidence and enjoyment in water. Pippa, now 40, shared that swimming is one of their favorite activities, and it helps guarantee sound daytime sleeps while improving his digestion.
But the benefits don't stop there. Arthur's aunt and uncle, William and Kate, also value swimming, not only as a sport but also to ensure children are safe around water. In September 2025, the royal couple's Royal Foundation teamed up with British Olympic swimmer Tom Dean's swimming school to launch learn-to-swim classes, which have already been provided for over 200 children in underserved areas.
Prince William's passion for swimming is well-known. As the patron of the English Schools' Swimming Association, he encourages his children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, to embrace the water. In fact, Prince George, now 11, loves scuba diving! William shared that they were surprised by his enthusiasm, as he absolutely loves exploring the underwater world.
So, what's the expert opinion? Dr. Sasha Hall, an award-winning HCPC-registered senior educational and child psychologist, explains why starting early is a fantastic parenting decision. She highlights that shared experiences like swimming build security and confidence in a new sensory environment. The warm water, gentle movement, and consistent physical support from a caregiver help babies feel safe, strengthening their sense of trust and curiosity, which are key building blocks for confidence later on.
Dr. Hall also points out that swimming offers uninterrupted one-on-one time, reinforcing the parent-child bond and supporting emotional well-being. Additionally, swimming teaches babies to pay attention and respond to guidance, developing early executive functions that underpin focus and flexible thinking. Socially, swimming with others allows children to practice turn-taking and build a sense of competence.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that structured activities like swimming lessons can be too much pressure for young children. What do you think? Does the early introduction to swimming offer more benefits than drawbacks? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
