Prince William said Queen Elizabeth II owned an "old iPad" and used it to watch foals being born, revealing the late monarch had embraced modern technology during an engagement commemorating the third anniversary of her death.
Speaking at the national federation of the Women’s Institute (WI) in Sunningdale, near Ascot, the Prince of Wales said the Queen used the tablet to view CCTV footage of thoroughbred mares giving birth so she could follow events across the country.
"She used to have an iPad so that she could watch all the foals being born, so wherever she was in the country she could see. She was very dedicated," William told a small group at the WI event. He also said he was "swotting up on my racing knowledge" as members quizzed him about horse racing.
The visit, which was attended by the Princess of Wales as a surprise addition to the schedule, was held about a 16-minute drive from Windsor Castle. The prince noted that he "can't quite believe it has been three years already" since the Queen died at Balmoral on Sept. 8, 2022, at the age of 96.
William and the Princess of Wales shared tea and cake with WI members and spoke about the Queen’s long association with the organisation. During the visit William answered questions on family life, saying his youngest son, Prince Louis, is "a character" and that older son Prince George is "a completely different ball game" behind closed doors.
The revelation that the Queen used an iPad to monitor foal births echoes earlier reports that she embraced consumer technology in later years. Media coverage at the time said the Queen ordered an iPad 2 after being introduced to the device by her grandsons. Her iPad was reportedly linked to CCTV at Sandringham stables so staff could explain births to her in real time.
Royal household staff previously described the monarch’s devices as secured and kept charged by personal aides. The Queen was also reported to have used a mobile phone and, earlier, an iPod; she received a music player from former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2009. Accounts have noted the royal family among early adopters of communications technology in Britain.
The Waleses’ appearance in Sunningdale coincided with a private visit by the Duke of Sussex to the Queen’s grave at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The two brothers were reported to be in the area at the same time but did not meet, with the palace describing both activities as private remembrances.
Palace aides and WI members at the engagement described the tone as reflective and celebratory of the Queen’s life and long public service. William paid tribute to his grandmother’s decades-long connection to rural life, horseracing and community organisations, underscoring that her interests extended into both traditional spheres and newer technologies.
Observers have noted the late monarch’s technological curiosity in prior years, but the details that emerged at the WI event provided a personal illustration of how those interests intersected with her private passion for horses and breeding. The Queen's use of video links to follow equine births served practical and personal purposes, allowing her to remain involved in a hands-on way despite travel and scheduling.
The visit to the WI was part of a series of low-key engagements by the Waleses that have blended public duties, commemorations and local community events. The couple has frequently used such appearances to highlight charities and organisations with long-standing ties to the royal family, while also marking anniversaries and moments of national reflection.