Health secrets of the royals: How Catherine and Prince William stay fit

AS AUSTRALIA prepares for the arrival of William, Kate and baby George this week, we look at the health tips that help the royals live long and prosper.

AS AUSTRALIA prepares for the arrival of William, Kate and baby George this week, we look at the health tips that help the royals live long and prosper.

Take High Tea

The Queen takes her tea daily at 5pm sharp (and she makes it herself) – a ritual you may want to adopt if your aim is to be jet setting around the world well into your 80s.

“Tea – particularly green tea – has a high concentration of antioxidants, or polyphenols, which research shows contributes to the prevention of cancer, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease,” Lauren McGuckin, accredited practising dietitian and spokesperson for the Dietitians Association of Australia, says. Rather than a single cup, aim for five to six, she advises. Go decaf if need be, but hold the herbal. “You won’t get the same benefits [with herbal], so stick with green or black.”

Stress less

The dramas that fluster the royal family might differ to what upsets the rest of us (unless you’ve also had a castle burn down). Still, they do know how to manage stress.

This skill is known to boost life expectancy, according to psychologist Dr Timothy Sharp of The Happiness Institute. “Stress is one of the most prevalent killers via its contribution to cardiovascular disease and psychological disorders such as depression,” he says.

To channel that regal “I don’t give a damn” vibe, he advises setting meaningful goals, meditating often and fostering an optimistic attitude. The Duchess of Cambridge is said to enjoy yoga, a well-known stress buster with the added benefit of fostering shapely legs.

Kate and Wills show off their lean, long legs in New Zealand.

Mingle with the youth

Members of the royal family are forever kissing babies and patting small children on the head, and now we know why – recent research from the University of Iowa has revealed that youthful energy can be passed to the elderly via social interactions with the young, thus improving the older generation’s cognitive abilities and vascular health.

There’s even evidence that getting “down with the kids” can increase the elderly’s life span, by giving them a new lease on life. “This can be attributed to a construct known as social and emotional contagion,” Sharp says. “Positivity and all its health benefits spread through social and occupational networks, which means spending time with happy, healthy people can have a positive effect on our health and wellbeing.”

Say “cheers” to that

Think of Princess Margaret’s wild parties on Mustique or any event involving Prince Harry, and you’ll notice that having a cheeky tipple is part of this family’s normal activities – and that’s no bad thing, within reason.

“Like tea, wine is loaded with polyphenols, which protect cells from damage, thus slowing the ageing process,” McGuckin says, adding that red wine carries more health benefits than its white cousin. The key?

Stick to wine and avoid going overboard. “Enjoy a glass of red, but be sure to give yourself two alcohol-free nights a week.”

Keep a pet

The royals love their pooches and treat them like “fur children” (Prince George even shared his first official portrait with cocker spaniel Lupo) and with good reason – studies show that pet ownership can decrease blood pressure and health problems often improve within one month of acquiring a furry friend.

The exact reasons for this are unclear, Dr James Serpell, director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society, says. “But we know that people with good human social support networks tend to have a more robust immune system and less risk of cardiovascular disease and it seems that pets help promote that same feeling of companionship.”

The pair even got our on the water during their recent trip.

Go fish

Rather than eating two or three big meals and snacks, the Queen enjoys four light meals a day, of which fish plays a major part. It’s an approach that does wonders for her health, McGuckin says. “Eating smaller meals releases energy from food more steadily and this assists with maintaining metabolism and keeps appetite under control.”

When it comes to choosing fish, McGuckin recommends varieties such as salmon that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. “[Omega-3] is known to assist with brain function and it slows age progression, so the Queen is clearly on the right track here,” she says. Aim for at least two serves a week.

Stay sharp

At an age when most of us would be happy if we could stay awake at bingo, the Queen is not only still an active head of state, but she maintains a formidable grasp of foreign affairs – and, according to many, a razor-sharp wit.

This is a perfect example of “use it or lose it”, Sharp explains. “Research suggests that staying mentally active can delay the onset and reduce the impact of dementia and other degenerative brain conditions.” Sharp recommends that the rest of us keep our minds active by learning a new skill, playing games such as bridge or sudoku and staying socially active.

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Elizabeth Arden, Molton Brown and Clarins are among the handful of cosmetic brands to hold a Royal Warrant of Appointment to the Queen’s household, which means their products have been used (and approved) by Her Majesty for at least five years. While the products used are a secret, here’s what’s rumoured to be in the royal beauty bag...

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• Endless social engagements can leave noble hands in need of some TLC. Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream ($38, clarins.com) smooths and moisturises hands for a more youthful appearance.

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Walking

The royals are big fans of walking, particularly around the stately grounds of Balmoral. “Walking briskly is a great weight-bearing exercise,” Atkins says. “It strengthens your glutes, decreases the risk of heart disease and stroke and increases bone density.” She recommends a 30-minute walk three times a week, with each session burning between 90 and 200 calories.

Rowing

Wills enjoyed it at Eton and Kate is also a fan. A rowing machine isn’t as scenic as a boat but does give the same benefits. “It provides a full-body workout, enhances the cardiovascular system and improves flexibility,” Atkins says. You’ll burn about 220 calories if you row at a moderate pace for 30 minutes.

Horse riding

The royal family are mad for horses and even just a leisurely trot around the park can provide a significant workout.

“Horse riding is known to improve your posture and really work your core. In fact, a lot of riders also do pilates to build up strength,” Atkins says. Riding for 30 minutes at a moderate pace will burn about 147 calories.

For more health tips visit body+soul.