Princess Charlotte, 11, follows in Kate’s footsteps as young royal joins high-level netball team — with William and Kate facing VERY ordinary weekend duties

Princess Charlotte appears to have inherited far more than her mother’s looks and confidence, with the 11-year-old reportedly developing the same fiercely sporty streak that has defined the Princess of Wales for decades.

The young royal is understood to be playing netball for an out-of-school team competing at a high level around the country — meaning life away from palace engagements may involve something surprisingly familiar to thousands of British families: early alarms, lengthy car journeys and weekends spent beside a court.

According to a report in The Mail on Sunday, Charlotte’s commitment to the sport has inevitably created another intriguing possibility for families attending her matches — unexpectedly finding Prince William and Princess Kate among the parents on the sidelines.

“All of the parents of the girls on the opposing teams are wondering whether or not they’re going to run into William and Kate,” a source claimed.

The source added that the experience is understood to be very “hands on”, potentially leaving William and Kate dealing with the same demanding schedules as other parents supporting children who compete seriously.

Charlotte’s passion was already hiding in plain sight

The development may not come as a complete surprise.

Charlotte recently appeared particularly engaged while watching netball at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow alongside her parents and brothers, Prince George and Prince Louis.

She watched some of the competition’s biggest teams in action before joining her mother for photographs with Scotland’s players.

But Charlotte’s interest apparently stretches back much further.

Kate revealed in 2023 that she had already been helping her daughter practise her netball shooting.

Former England captain Ama Agbeze spoke about their conversation after meeting Kate at a SportsAid event at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre.

“Kate has played netball before, she knows the sport,” Agbeze said, explaining that the Princess had discussed teaching Charlotte how to shoot.

And Charlotte could hardly have a more enthusiastic sporting mentor at home.

Following directly in Kate’s footsteps

Long before becoming the Princess of Wales, Kate was a keen athlete herself.

She played netball during her school years and captained the hockey team while studying at Marlborough College.

That competitive streak has continued throughout royal life.

Kate has famously taken part in everything from rugby drills and cricket to tennis — even playing volleyball in towering wedges during a SportsAid engagement shortly after becoming a mother.

Her willingness to throw herself into sporting engagements has helped establish her as one of the Royal Family’s most athletic members.

Now Charlotte appears to be creating a sporting identity of her own.

At just 11, there is no suggestion of where her netball journey might eventually lead. But competing seriously outside school already represents another glimpse of the increasingly independent young princess emerging behind the carefully controlled royal appearances.

And for William and Kate, it could mean swapping palace formality for something considerably more ordinary on weekends: long drives, early starts and cheering their daughter on from the sidelines.