Royals are a ‘family of swimmers‘, Prince William tells MBE recipient Eileen Fenton

Swim England patron Prince William has revealed the royals are a ‘family of swimmers’, after presenting Eileen Fenton with her MBE for services to swimming.

At the age of 21, Eileen was the first woman to finish the 1950 International Cross Channel Swimming Race, completing the arduous swim from France to England in 15 hours and 31 minutes.

Eileen travelled to Kensington Palace on Tuesday 26 November to receive her MBE from the Duke of Cambridge and His Royal Highness shared his love for swimming.

She told the Press Association: “Well, we spoke about swimming. He said that he and his wife make sure the children can swim and they all go and they swim quite well.

“I can remember seeing when the Queen was young and her sister Princess Margaret – we used to see them swimming in pictures. He said the whole family have done it.”

After hearing that she was to receive the honour, Eileen told the Wakefield Express: “It is so wonderful but humbling to be recognised in this way for something I have loved doing all my life.

“It is an honour I want to share with the people of Dewsbury who have always supported me.”

A swimming family

According to the magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Buckingham Palace has its own swimming pool.

Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte have all reportedly learned to swim in the private pool.

Prince William captained St Andrews University’s water polo team and has spoken passionately about giving every child the opportunity to learn the valuable life skill of swimming.