Prince William has always been known for his wide range of talents. From excelling at rugby and water polo to navigating diplomatic duties with ease, the Prince of Wales mastered much during his formative years at Eton. But one area where he admits he fell short? Music.
On Tuesday, during a visit to the youth group Spiral Skills in Lambeth, William revealed his regret at not developing musical ability when he was younger. Speaking to children who benefit from his Homewards Fund — an initiative tackling homelessness in the UK — he emphasized how important it is to him that his own children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, don’t repeat his mistake.
Inside a music studio, William was invited to try out a drum kit but politely declined, joking: “I’m definitely not a drummer. I’m happy to see you do it.” He then remarked that Prince Louis, who has been practicing the drums, would have jumped at the chance.
After watching 16-year-old Django Brooke perform, William applauded warmly, admitting with a laugh, “That’s why you play, and I don’t.” He confessed that as a child he struggled to read music. Though he attempted piano, trumpet, and drums, memorizing every tune became overwhelming, and his interest faded. “I make sure my children learn music because I love it, and it’s crucial,” he said.
It seems the Wales children are already developing strong musical skills. William previously joked at the 2024 Tusk Awards that Louis’s drumming enthusiasm left him constantly covering his ears. Princess Charlotte, meanwhile, is learning piano, following in her mother’s footsteps, while Prince George reportedly enjoys the electric guitar. Charlotte even had her turn conducting an orchestra during a rehearsal for the Platinum Jubilee concert in 2022.
Much of this musical influence appears to come from Catherine. The Princess of Wales is a trained pianist who famously accompanied singer Tom Walker at the 2021 “Together at Christmas” concert, a performance that highlighted her long-standing love of music. During the Covid lockdowns, she often turned to the piano for comfort, and she surprised audiences again with a recital at the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool.
Though William may downplay his own skills, he has had his moments. In 2013, he memorably joined Taylor Swift and Jon Bon Jovi on stage to sing Livin’ on a Prayer. Reflecting later, he admitted he still cringes at the memory, but laughed that when Taylor Swift takes your hand and insists, “Come with me,” it’s impossible to say no.
