Prince William Spotted Wearing Fitness Tracker, But He's Not the First Royal to Try the Trend

The Prince of Wales' fitness band was visible as he celebrated during the EURO quarterfinals

His Royal Highness Prince William Arthur Philip Louis, Prince of Wales watches the match during the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between England and Switzerland at Düsseldorf Arena on July 6, 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Prince William at the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between England and Switzerland in Dusseldorf, Germany on July 6, 2024. Photo:

Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty

Prince William wore an unexpected accessory at the UEFA EURO quarterfinals in Germany last week, but he's hardly the first royal family member to experiment with the trend.

On July 6, the Prince of Wales, 42, passionately reacted to the soccer action when England played Switzerland at Düsseldorf Arena, where he appeared to be wearing a WHOOP band. The trendy fitness trackers initially popular among professional athletes debuted in 2015 and monitors metrics like sleep, strain and recovery. The tech product claims to be "the most advanced wearable on the market" and requires a membership. 

The apparent WHOOP band was visible on Prince William's right wrist when he touched his temples and leaped from his seat during the close game. The teams tied 1-1 before England advanced through a penalty shootout.

Prince William of Wales at the stands, celebrate victory at the end of the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-final football match between England and Switzerland at the Duesseldorf Arena in Duesseldorf on July 6, 2024
Prince William cheers at the end of the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between England and Switzerland in Dusseldorf, Germany on July 6, 2024.

Gokhan Balci/Anadolu via Getty 

While the fitness tracker was a new addition to Prince William's royal wardrobe, several other members of the royal family have sported similar products before. 

Prince Harry previously wore a black Oura Ring, a sleep and activity tracker that identifies various stages of sleep, on a tour of Australia with Meghan Markle in 2018. Meanwhile,  Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh had an Apple Watch on in a home video with Prince Edward and their kids, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, released in 2020 to support the "Clap for Carers" campaign honoring the NHS and other healthcare professionals during the pandemic. 

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex visits Victoria Park on October 17, 2018 in Dubbo, Australia. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are on their official 16-day Autumn tour visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.
Prince Harry visits Victoria Park in Dubbo, Australia, on Oct. 17, 2018.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Queen Camilla wore a FitBit that summer and was often spotted sporting the activity tracker. However, she appeared to stop wearing it in public following the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022, swapping it out for a delicate Cartier watch instead.

"The Queen Consort may have opted for a more traditional and luxurious timepiece that adds value and elevates her overall outfit," stylist Kaye Wyer speculated to the Daily Express last year. 

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Queen Camilla visits the Swindon Fire Station near London on July 6, 2020. EDDIE MULHOLLAND/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

"This choice aligns with the Queen Consort's position as a senior member of the royal family and highlights the importance of maintaining a certain level of elegance and formality in her appearance," she said.

Related Articles