Prince William The Duke Of Ducs And Other Motorcycles

The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, visited Britain’s largest motorcycle show, Motorcycle Live, at the National Exhibition Center in Birmingham. The visit saw the Duke astride numerous motorcycle models including UK icons Norton and Triumph as well as a Ducati 1199 Superleggera (one of the few men able to afford the $70,000 rarity).

During his visit Prince William enjoyed a display of off-road riding – one of nine opportunities for visitors to ride at Motorcycle Live, eight of which are inside the halls of the NEC. He also met Dean Linehan, exhibitions director of MCI Exhibitions, the company that organizes the annual motorcycle exhibition.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge to Motorcycle Live,” said Linehan. ”We know he likes  motorcycles and that he rides when he can, but he showed a great knowledge of and appreciation for the UK’s motorcycle industry, which employs more than 80,000 people and will generate around £7.5 billion for the British economy this year.

The Prince’s visit ended with the presentation of a wooden balance bike, complete with special graphics, intended for Prince George of Cambridge – the Duke’s four-month-old son – although the younger prince may have to wait another year or so before he can ride it.

By Tom Roderick