In the winter of 1662, England experienced a severe cold snap, resulting in the freezing over of various water bodies, including the lake in St James's Park, London. This unusual weather provided an opportunity for the inhabitants of London to engage in the delightful pastime of ice skating, an activity that had gained popularity in Europe. Diarist John Evelyn was among those who took note of the vibrant scene unfolding on the ice. Notably, he observed that King Charles II and his wife, Queen Catherine, were present, watching the skaters with interest from the edge of the park, a site often frequented by the court. The joyous atmosphere highlighted the intersection of royal life and public leisure, as the starkness of the winter created a canvas for communal enjoyment.

Evelyn's account not only serves as a record of the royal couple’s activities but also reflects the cultural practices of the time, where skating became a fashionable sport. The presence of the King and Queen lent an air of significance to the event, turning a simple activity into a royal spectacle. The royal observance of skating demonstrates a blending of the aristocratic with the popular, a phenomenon that would characterize English social customs in the years to come. The scene captured in Evelyn's diary also indicates a shift in royal relationships with their subjects in the Restoration period, showcasing indulgence in leisure and pleasure as a means of softening the image of monarchy in a post-Civil War England.