Kate’s new reason to smile
The duchess is in the spotlight again and she has a new lease on life
The royal gets some expert advice on juggling family and career
Looking fabulous in a figure-hugging dress, the Duchess of Cambridge seemed happier and healthier than ever as she joined her husband Prince William on a royal engagement last week.
It’s the second public outing for Kate since her maternity leave came to an end earlier this month, and onlookers couldn’t help but notice her delight as she and William attended the Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit in London.
Laughing together, the pair seemed thrilled to be at each other’s side for a cause they care so much about.
“They seemed to be genuinely having a
wonderful time,” tells an onlooker. “They were so relaxed and just had this amazing energy about them.”
And as they approach a busy few months ahead,
Woman’sDay can reveal that the mum-of-three is determined to do things differently this time. While friends have reported in the past that Kate has struggled with juggling the demands of royal duty, parenting and marriage, she and William, both 36, have drawn up a set of rules by which they’ll live now they’re parents of three.
“The arrival of Prince Louis has made them reassess things,” explains a well-placed source. “Their absolute first priority is their children hildren and they
want to make sure they can continue to be as hands-on as possible. They’re deeply committed to their royal work, but they also want to make plenty of time for their relationship. They’ve agreed to take on engagements that work in with their family life and that any long-distance trips will include their children.”
Our source reveals that Kate has been working closely with London life coach Diana MacLellan, who is helping her find ways of balancing her life more effectively. Using the Alexander technique for stress relief, Diana has encouraged Kate to work through the huge pressure she often feels.
“With Diana’s help, Kate is learning to say no more often. She’s learning ways to evaluate all aspects of her life and to prioritise. She’s also learning new ways to cope with stress, and meditation and yoga are all playing a part.”
Radiant Kate’s relaxed appearance at her recent engagements is testament to the work she’s been putting in, insists our source.
“Kate was worried about how she’d cope with three children, but she’s actually feeling more relaxed than she has in years and far more in control. It’s all about self-care and she’s become quite militant about taking time for herself.”
It’s no surprise then that Kate’s amazing post-baby body is also down to her new approach to life. The duchess works out with a personal trainer twice a week at Kensington Palace, doing strength-building and weight training, as well as taking pilates classes with the Duchess of Sussex.
Sisterly bonds
“Kate and Meghan have really bonded over their private pilates sessions,” explains our source. “They go to a studio near the palace three times a week, and it’s a chance for them to de-stress and unwind together. They love it.”
Kate has also given her diet an overhaul. While she used to avoid carbs to stay slim, she has now adopted a mainly vegan eating regime after taking cooking lessons from vegan chef Matthew Kenney.
“Kate feels better than she has done in years and she says it’s all down to changing things up, and ensuring she’s putting her mental and physical wellbeing first for once. She’s feeling truly happy and is excited about what’s to come.”
As reported recently, William is planning a special getaway for him and Kate to St Andrews in Scotland, where they first fell in love almost 20 years ago. But for now, Kate’s focus is firmly on her sister Pippa Matthews, 35, who was due to give birth as Woman’s Day went to press late last week.
Our source says Kate has been busy preparing Prince George and Princess Charlotte for the arrival of their cousin, and she can’t wait to see Louis, who was born on April 23, grow up alongside her sister’s baby.
“To have babies together has been Kate and Pippa’s dream for years, and it’s finally happening. They are so close and Kate is incredibly happy for her sister. She knows she’ll be a wonderful mother.”