Prince William and Princess Kate may be partners in life, but when it comes to sports, they enjoy a healthy rivalry. Royal photographer, Samir Hussein, shared insights into the couple’s competitive nature, recalling their participation in boat races and sprint races over the years. Their competitiveness often brings out their humor and a more playful side.

William has previously discussed the importance of sports in his life, emphasizing the team environment and competitiveness it fosters. He also values the camaraderie, relationship-building, and learning to lose gracefully, which are lessons he hopes to impart to his children with Kate: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

During an interview, Kate teased that her competitive drive doesn’t come from her, jokingly claiming that she and William haven’t been able to finish a game of tennis without it becoming a mental challenge between them. Samir, along with his father Anwar Hussein and brother Zak Hussein, have had the privilege of capturing intimate moments of the royal family as official photographers for decades.

One of Samir’s most memorable experiences with the royal couple was during their trip to India and Bhutan in 2016. He recounted a lighthearted moment when Kate tried her hand at archery, accidentally firing an arrow in his direction. Samir captured the subsequent laughter and joy between the couple, creating a natural and candid photograph.

These spontaneous moments, where the royals are laughing and being themselves, offer a glimpse into their personalities and a more intimate connection with the public. Samir’s work, along with that of his family, showcases the human side of royalty, including the late Princess Diana, whose life and legacy are celebrated in the Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition.

The exhibition, currently in London and other international cities, takes visitors on a visual journey through Diana’s most iconic photographs, accompanied by behind-the-scenes stories from her official photographers. It promises to offer a unique perspective on the beloved princess and her enduring impact on the world.

William, now 41, has spoken about how the “team environment of sports played a significant role” in his life. During a September 2023 episode of Mike Tindall’s podcast, “The Good, The Bad & The Rugby,” William shared that he “thrived in” the “competitiveness with his friends.”

He emphasized the importance of the “camaraderie, relationship-building, and learning to lose gracefully” aspects of sports, which he hopes to instill in his children with Kate: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Kate, now 42, playfully claimed during the podcast that their competitiveness didn’t come from her. “I’m not that competitive, honestly,” she said. “I don’t know where this has come from. William and I haven’t been able to finish a game of tennis. It becomes a mental challenge between the two of us.”

Samir, for his part, has had numerous encounters with the royal couple, as well as with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. He and his family have served as official photographers for the royal family for decades, capturing intimate moments and offering a unique perspective on their lives.

Related: Royals Are Just Like Us, Too!

Crowns, palaces, and fancy titles aside, King Charles III, Prince William, Princess Kate, Prince Harry, and other members of the British royal family are more similar to common folk than you might think. Take a step back in time and discover all the moments when the royals were just like Us!

One of Samir’s most memorable experiences with the Prince and Princess of Wales took place nearly a decade ago during their royal tour of India and Bhutan. Their trip once again showcased their sporty sides as they tried their hand at archery.

“William and Kate tried their hand at archery, and they both looked fantastic. Kate was dressed in traditional clothing, and when it was her turn, I moved directly opposite where she was shooting,” Samir recounted of the April 2016 outing. “She fired an arrow, and for a moment, it appeared to be heading straight for me.”

He recalled quickly moving out of the way but managed to capture a candid moment between William and Kate. “Kate was laughing uncontrollably and then scampered away. It’s a very natural photo,” Samir shared. “You can see William by her side, both of them laughing with their heads down, looking directly at the camera.”

The photographer highlighted the “unusual setting” of the royals engaging in archery in a “beautiful location” while wearing vibrant traditional clothing, creating a memorable visual.

Related: Unveiling the Surprising Talents of Prince William, Princess Kate, and More Royals

Beyond their royal duties, Prince William, Princess Kate, and other members of the royal family possess an array of special skills. Kate, who married William in April 2011, is a talented pianist, having taken lessons during her childhood. “Kate took lessons when she was about 10 or 11, until she was 13, around 1993 […]

Samir noted that these candid moments, where the couple is “laughing and being themselves,” offer a glimpse into their personalities and allow the public to connect with them on a more personal level.