26 September 2024
Quests & Adventures: Amelia Windsor
Diving into her passion for sustainable fashion and love for the water
First in our series of Quests & Adventures with incredible water women, we spoke with model and advocate for sustainable fashion, Lady Amelia Windsor.
Amelia is passionate about the ocean and sustainability, dedicating much of her work to environmental causes. As an ambassador for the Blue Marine Foundation, she actively supports ocean conservation, using her platform to raise awareness.Whether exploring London’s arts scene or vintage shopping in Notting Hill with her sister, Lady Marina Windsor, Amelia embraces life’s simple joys. Her love for sustainable fashion shines through her design collaborations and her support for eco-friendly brands, reflecting her commitment to protecting the planet.
In this QA, Amelia shares her insights on the importance of conscious consumerism, her passion for championing eco-friendly brands, and her love for water.
YOUR COLD WATER JOURNEY
Q: What first drew you to cold waters, and how has this shaped your life and outlook?
"The thrill and adrenaline you get from being in the cold water is addictive and also gives you a sense of achievement. It always feels so daunting but once you go for it, it feels amazing and you feel proud of yourself."
INSPIRING NEW SWIMMERS
Q: For those curious about cold water swimming but perhaps a little hesitant, what advice would you offer to help them embrace the challenge and find joy in it?
"Try cold showers at the end of your hot one- start with a few seconds and work your way up. It’s the best way to wake up and get the blood flowing! Deep breathing through your nose helps to regulate your body temperature as well and prevents too much shock."
DISCOVERING HIDDEN GEMS
Q: Can you share a few of your most cherished swimming spots, both in London and across the globe? What makes these places magical for you?
"The Norfolk coastline is my favourite place to swim- it’s filled with happy memories from my childhood and a place I return to every year with great excitement. I hate to admit I have never swum in the Hampstead ponds yet, but I will this winter in my new wetsuit! I swam in a lake in Switzerland this summer at the top of a hike- it was ice cold but felt unbelievably rejuvenating- I managed to do some lengths before I went completely numb!"
A DEEP CONNECTION WITH THE OCEAN
Q: The ocean is a source of both beauty and vitality. How has your connection to the sea deepened through your swimming and conservation efforts, and what does the ocean symbolize for you?
"I am so grateful to the sea for the energy and serenity it gives us when we swim and the endlessly beautiful plant and animal life within it. Growing education and understanding of the importance to protect the ocean has made us all more aware of the imperative need to change the status quo."
CHAMPIONING OCEAN CONSERVATION
Q: As an ambassador for the Blue Marine Foundation, you play a pivotal role in raising awareness about ocean conservation. What initiatives or projects inspire you the most?
"I am constantly in awe of Blue Marine Foundation and the endless work they are doing that actually leads to positive change through legal action. Their oyster restoration projects around the UK are fascinating- oysters clean the sea water and thus can play vital role in undoing lots of pollution damage."
EMBRACING SUSTAINABLE WATER WEAR
Q: How important is it for you to choose eco-friendly waterwear, and what are your favourite pieces from WALLIEN and why?
"I love the swimming costumes from WALLIEN - they’re lightweight and very easy to slip on and off. They’re perfect for summer and winter and only take a minute to try- they also look quite secret agent on a mission out to sea vibes…"
ENVISIONING A THRIVING PLANET
Q: What are your hopes for the future health of our oceans and the planet? How do you believe individuals and communities can come together to ensure a sustainable world for generations to come?
"I hope we can learn to respect the oceans more and have more regulations for safe guarding it. I think beach cleans are a great way to bring people together and highlight the issue of rubbish on our beaches as well as a bit of exercise. Activities like surfing and swimming deepen our connection with the ocean and allow people to find strength and respect within it. I really hope that the problems with sewage being poured into our oceans and rivers is stopped and penalised the way it should be- its devastating to see it happening and there being very little consequences."