The real reason Kate and Will didn’t need training for scuba diving in Belize

Prince William and Kate Middleton left royal fans impressed with their sharp scuba diving skills in Belize on Sunday—but also a little confused. 

• Prince William and Kate Middleton have left fans both impressed and confused after showing off their strong scuba diving skills in Belize on Sunday. 
• The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge explored the barrier reef of the South Water Caye before heading off to Jamaica on Tuesday for the second leg of their Carribeean royal tour. 
• In other royal news, Prince William introduces Kate Middleton to his 'heroes' on Jamaica trip in starstruck moment.
  

Royal fans are scratching their heads after seeing Prince William and Kate Middleton's scuba diving adventure on Sunday, with many questioning how the couple was authorized to partake in such a dangerous activity. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are currently four days into their week-long Caribbean royal tour of Belize, Jamaica, and the Bahamas—and by the looks of it, they're having a whale of a time.

The overseas trip aims to strengthen ties between the British monarchy and its Commonwealth nations, ahead of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations this summer. It also marks Prince William and Kate Middleton's first joint international tour since the pandemic began in March 2020. 

The couple kicked off their trip with a three-day stay in Belize, where they enjoyed a whole host of fun activities—including Punta dancing and a visit to a chocolate factory. They finished off their culturally enriching tour with a marvel of the South Water Caye and a deep dive (literally) into its breathtaking barrier reef. 

In photos posted on Kate and William's Instagram, the future King and Queen can be seen submerged in the turquoise water wearing wet suits, flippers, and oxygen tanks. 

They are also pictured surrounded by sea life—including a rather friendly-looking shark. At one point, Kate even makes an 'OK' gesture to the camera—likely to confirm that she wasn't alarmed by the sharp-toothed fish.

Taking to Twitter to share the incredible experience, they wrote, "While the effects of climate change are evident, the Government of Belize and communities across the country deserve huge recognition for their efforts to restore this incredible marine environment - with a commitment to protect 30% of it by 2030." 

Fans were quick to praise the couple's strong diving skills, with many taking to Twitter to share their positive reactions. The aqua-themed post also raised alarm bells, as some folks wondered how Kate and Will could perform such a high-risk pastime without adequate training. 

The short answer? They didn't actually need any. Both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are already experienced divers, having previously achieved a string of qualifications in the practice. In 2015, Kensington Place announced that Kate had passed an advanced scuba diving course, after proving she could safely reach depths of up to 98ft and properly handle equipment like compasses and knives. 

Prince William also boasts an impressive track record in the deep sea, having earned the same certificate as his wife.