The royal couple faced off in a naval-themed competition while visiting Scotland

Kate Middleton laughs during a pipe-building competition in Scotland on May 22, 2025.Credit : Andy Barr – WPA Pool/Getty

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Kate Middleton and Prince William faced off in a naval-themed competition during a royal visit to Scotland this week
The royal couple competed aboard the HMS Glasgow after Princess Kate officially christened the new ship
While Kate technically bested her husband, the unexpected final moments of the competition left the couple cracking up

Kate Middleton and Prince William aren’t a couple who shy away from some friendly competition.

The Prince and Princess of Wales — or the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, as they are known in Scotland — teamed up to attend the official naming ceremony of the HMS Glasgow on Thursday, May 22.

As sponsor of the ship, Princess Kate pressed a button to christen the warship in the traditional manner: by breaking a bottle of whisky on the hull. The liquor was an exclusive single malt made by Clydeside Distillery. Each bottle sold will contribute a donation to one of Kate’s patronage charities, Place2Be, which supports children’s mental health in the Glasgow area.

“May God bless her and all who sail on her,” the princess declared in a short speech.

Following the ceremony, William, 42, and Kate, 43, boarded the ship and met with apprentices from BAE Systems, who were responsible for delivering the vessel, the first of eight Type 26 anti-submarine frigates to be built in Glasgow.

Kate Middleton at the HMS Glasgow in Scotland on May 22, 2025.Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Onboard, the royal couple faced off in a pipe-building competition. Kate got off to a quick start, while William spent more time chatting, later claiming he didn’t know it was a race.

The royal mom of three — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — credited her pipe-building ability to years of experience playing with children’s toys, and Princess Kate seemed to have bested her husband in the faceoff. However, as seen in a video shared by Sky News’ Rhiannon Mills, just as she was being declared the winner, one of Kate’s pieces collapsed.

Princess Kate tried to keep a straight face as she tried to catch the falling piece before cracking up, while her husband laughed from across the table.

“Perfectly timed,” William teased his wife.

Prince William and Kate Middleton face off in a pipe-building competition about the HMS Glasgow on May 22, 2025.Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Prince William and Princess Kate are known to occasionally go head-to-head during joint royal outings, whether they’re making cocktails, facing off in a sailing race or rolling dough balls at a bakery.

During a 2023 appearance on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast — hosted by Mike Tindall, who is married to William’s cousin Zara — they poked fun at Kate’s personality when it comes to contests.

“I’m not going to say you’re uber competitive,” Mike said before pausing to give a nod, indicating that she really was.

Princess Kate replied coyly, “I’m not competitive at all.”

“I’ve seen her play beer pong!” Mike said.

Kate Middleton visits the HMS Glasgow on May 22, 2025.Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Another spontaneous moment came during the outing in Scotland when a fan called out to the couple. As seen in a video shared on Instagram, a well-wisher shouted out to Princess Kate, “You’re beautiful,” before adding, “You too, William!”

Prince William had a quick quip that made the crowd giggle in response: “You don’t have to say that. Don’t worry.”