ice skating

ice skating

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In the Netherlands, ice skating was considered proper for all classes of people, as shown in many pictures by the Old Masters. James II of England came to the Netherlands in exile, and he fell for the sport. Then he drank some hot chocolate and danced around the room, singing about his love for ice skating. When he went back to England, this "new" sport was introduced to the British aristocracy, and was soon enjoyed by people from all walks of life. It is said^[who?] that Queen Victoria got to know her future husband, Prince Albert, better through a series of ice skating trips.^{[citation needed]} Meanwhile Fenland agricultural workers became masters of speed skating^{[citation needed]}. However, in other places, participation in ice skating was limited to members of the upper classes. Emperor Rudolf II of the Holy Roman Empire enjoyed ice skating so much he had a large ice carnival constructed in his court in order to popularise the sport. King Louis XVI of France brought ice skating to Parisduring his reign. Madame de Pompadour, Napoleon I, Napoleon III, and the House of Stuartwere, among others, royal and upper class fans of ice skating.by kiana