The Princess of Wales makes the royal lifestyle appear effortless, but we took a behind-the-scenes look at Kate Middleton's healthy-living discipline.
Princess Kate’s 9 Secret Habits That Help Her Look So Fresh in Her 40s
Updated on Jan. 10, 2023
Kate Middleton—now formally Catherine, Princess of Wales, GCVO—is a busy mom of three and a public figure…either of which would make it challenging to maintain healthy habits. And now, after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, as Prince William’s wife the new Princess of Wales is also preparing to be the next Queen Consort of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. No pressure, right?
With her fabulous fashion, lavish travel, and priceless jewels…Princess Kate, 40, certainly makes being a real-life princess appear effortless. But when it comes to staying healthy, it turns out Kate puts in a lot of discipline behind the scenes. She’s known to regularly fit in exercise, eating right, getting enough sleep and managing stress.
In keeping with royal protocol, Princess Kate has never gone on record about her diet, workout routine, or overall approach to health. However, we’ve researched years of her behaviors to see what we can learn from this classic example of beauty, lifestyle and wellness.
1. Kate Middleton loves playing sports
“Kate was always very sporty and there wasn’t a sport she couldn’t excel at,” recalled a former classmate of Kate at St. Andrew’s School. The now-princess was known to be an ace at field hockey and tennis, two sports she’s kept up with as an adult.
Playing sports like field hockey are a great way to activate the anaerobic system and cause the body to burn more calories overall, increasing metabolism. “When you push to the point of fatigue, the body will continue to burn fat for 24 hours after the workout, through a process called Exercise Post-Oxygen Consumption (EPOC),” says Dave Kyle, a British trainer, the national training team director and international master trainer for Les Mills United States.
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2. Kate Middleton enjoys cooking her own food
One of Kate’s favorite hobbies is cooking, especially cooking meals for her family, says Carolyn Robb, a chef who cooked for the royal family and author of The Royal Touch, a cookbook based on her experiences.
Kate’s go-to recipes include curries, soups and roast chicken (reportedly Prince William’s favorite dinner). “Kate does quite a lot of the cooking at the moment. You have to remember that she’s not royal. She comes from a normal background and a normal home where she’s always cooked for herself,” said Robb.
Eating homecooked meals saves money and is usually a lot healthier than dining out or turning to processed foods, says Jackie Newgent, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian in and a chef instructor with the recreational division of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.
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3. Kate Middleton is a “keen” runner
Kate has enjoyed running since her school days and has kept it up, even after the births of her children. She’s been snapped running outdoors with a baby in the stroller (or “buggy,” for our English readers!).
It’s been said she enjoys running so much and is so good at it that Mike Tyndall, a professional rugby player and Prince William’s cousin by marriage, told House of Rugby that if he could pick anyone in the royal family to be on his rugby team…it would be Kate! “I’ve got the Duchess of Cambridge on one wing because she loves running, she can run all day. Engine!” (We wonder how Prince William, who has also said he’s a passionate runner, feels about his cousin’s pick!)
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4. Kate Middleton eats high fiber snacks
Kate Middleton has often been photographed snacking on popcorn, a whole grain that’s high in satiating fiber and low in calories (as long as you’re not drenching it in butter). She’s also been spotted drinking fiber-packed smoothies made from organic, raw fruits and veggies. High-fiber, low-sugar snacks are a good replacement for empty carbs, like chips or cookies, says Newgent.
5. Kate Middleton balances weights and cardio
Kate has been spotted doing all types of exercises, including bootcamps, CrossFit, and other interval training style workouts. It’s said she prefers to workout on her own, without the aid of a personal trainer, and has a membership to a nearby gym where she’s been seen lifting weights and using the treadmill, rowing machine, and cycles.
This is a smart way to workout, says Kyle. “These types of short high-intensity workouts use compound exercises to engage multiple muscles and are perfect for maximizing your exercise time,” he says.
Love this royally stylish workout look? Check out the best cold weather coats of 2023.
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6. Kate Middleton practices yoga regularly
A daily yoga practice is one of the best things you can do for your wellbeing. Yoga is great for not just your body but also your mind and spirit, incorporating all aspects of what it means to be healthy.
Kate is such a yoga devotee that she invited her yoga instructor to her 2011 wedding. She was also seen taking prenatal yoga classes when pregnant with her first child, George.
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7. Kate Middleton loves to learn new things
Taking lessons to learn or improve your skills keeps your mind sharp and improves mood and mental wellness. Kate was recently photographed sharpening her tennis skills at a coaching lesson (in wedge heels, no less!) at the Hurlingham Club in Fulham, London. This could demonstrate that she’s eager to refine her knowledge and even learn something new.
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8. Kate Middleton prioritizes eating protein
It’s been rumored that Kate prefers high-protein, lower-carb plans, like the Dukan diet, and used it to lose the weight she gained during pregnancy.
Regardless of whether she follows this exact plan, starting your day with a high-protein meal is a smart move, says Kyle. “This will ensure that the body kick starts its metabolism of stored fat energy in the morning, and the healthy carbs that are added throughout the day will replenish the energy stores,” he says.
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9. Kate Middleton savors dessert when she has it
Princess Kate’s healthy lifestyle isn’t so strict that she doesn’t indulge in treats sometimes, like cake with her kids. Moderation is a great idea as all-or-nothing thinking about treats can lead to binges, says Newgent. You can also opt for healthier desserts, like subbing banana “nice cream” for ice cream, she adds.
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Sources
Dave Kyle, a British certified trainer, the national training team director and international master trainer for Les Mills United States
Jackie Newgent, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian in and a chef instructor with the recreational division of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.
Carolyn Robb, a chef who cooked for the royal family and author of The Royal Touch
Christopher Andersen, William & Kate
Marie Claire: "Kate Middleton's Food Diary"
