Is cycling a royal hobby?

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Recently (in 2021), the Duchess of Cambridge revealed the newest hobby of her youngest son, Prince Louis. This is cycling. Is he the only royal who like(s)d to ride on a bike and what's the history of cycling? 




History

Bicycling was introduced around the 1800's and it became soon very popular. In 1868, the first bicycling race was held near Paris. In Europe cycling went strong until the 1950's. However it is still a favourite sport. 


Belgium


King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians are often pictured while riding on a bike and their children: Princess Elisabeth, the Duchess of Brabant, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eleonore as well. During their holidays in France they like to be out and around on bike. However they are pictured in  Belgium as well on their bikes: while they were promoting tourism during covid-19
and on Car Free Sundays.  It is no secret that Queen Fabiola of Belgium liked to ride on a bike as well. 

Princess Marie-José of Belgium, later the last Queen of Italy and her brother Prince Charles of Belgium, were pictured on bikes too. 





Denmark


Crown Prince Frederic of Denmark (now King of Denmark) was known to bring his children to school by bike. Just as his wife Crown Princess Mary (now Queen of Denmark).  

However Denmark has a wonderful royal history. King Christian IX of Denmark often was called the "father-in-law" of Europe. His children returned regularly to their native country for (summer) holidays. 

Especially Prince Valdemar of Denmark liked to ride on a bike. There is a picture of him among other royal relatives such as Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and King Gorge I of Greece. It looks like they had lots of fun. 

During World War II King Frederick IX of Denmark and his wife Ingrid of Sweden started to take bicycle rides in Copenhagen to gain sympathy. 


Greece


George of Greece was the paternal grandfather of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. 


Prince Nicholas of Greece and Denmark was called the Greece Nicky to  distinguish him from his paternal first cousin Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. One of his daughters was Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark who married Prince George, Duke of Kent. 





Tsarevich Alexei Nicholaevich of Russia

Russian Empire

Cycling was in the Russian Empire a favourite sport of the Tsars and the Russian Grand Dukes. 

Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, Tsar Alexander II of Russia,
Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and Tsarevich Alexei Nicholaevich
all liked to ride on a bike.

Tsar Nicholas II of Russia was a keen sportsman. 

Sweden


Prince Oscar Bernadotte of Sweden and his wife were enthusiastic cyclists. 

Nowadays Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden was seen learning Princess Estelle riding on a bike. 

Princess Madeleine also likes to ride on a bike with her family. 


The Netherlands





The most famous picture of a royal on a bike for me, always will be the picture of Queen Juliana of The Netherlands.  Did you know there also is a picture from Queen Wilhelmina of The Netherlands
riding on a bike! Check this link on Pinterest. 

There also are pictures of the Princesses Beatrix, Irene, Margriet and Christina riding or posing on bikes. 

However there are pictures of King Willem-Alexander and his family riding on bikes. When for example Crown Princess Amalia went to school she was filmed riding on a bike. 

However the second most famous picture is one of Queen Máxima of The Netherlands riding on a bike in The Hague in a bright yellow jumpsuit. Wonderful! 


United Kingdom


Princess Victoria of the United Kingdom was pictured with a bike. She was the daughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, born princess Alexandra of Denmark. 

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was seen playing polo not on a horse but on a bike. 

Countess Sophie of Wessex did a 445 mile cycle challenge.She talked about her effort on this link. 

Prince Louis on this link


Acknowledge


Thank you very much, Geert Janssens and @empressofHAB for your help!



source pictures: Wikipedia


Location: Brussel, België

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