No mummy tummy for Kate
At full stretch: The Duchess yesterday
FOR all those who were wondering whether Kate has snapped back into shape following the birth of Prince George, there was a definitive answer yesterday.
There can’t be many photocalls which offer a chance of glimpsing the Duchess of Cambridge’s midriff.
But in one volleyball shot, the royal tummy was fully on display in all its svelte glory.
As mothers marvelled at Kate’s lithe figure – 89 days since the birth of George – there was widespread speculation at how she did it.
It is understood the Duchess got back her trim figure through long walks with her dog, Lupo, and the odd burst on a rowing machine. She also took part in ante-natal yoga classes,
‘Five inch wedge heels’
which are believed to help new mothers regain their figure afterwards by ‘training’ their muscles to snap back into shape.
Yesterday’s event was Kate’s first solo public engagement since the birth of her baby son on July 22.
It is understood that he was being babysat by her husband, Prince William, back home at Kensington Palace along with their nanny.
Taking part in an impromptu volleyball session at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, she displayed a boundless energy one rarely finds in a harassed new mother.
What’s more, she showed off her ball skills in a pair of five-inch wedge heels, at one point throwing herself in the air to slam down a killer ‘spike’. Kate was taking part in a workshop run by SportsAid, a charity which provides financial and practical support for young athletes.
She recently became patron of the organisation, which had supported two-thirds of the British team at last year’s Olympics and Paralympics.
The Duchess dressed relatively casually for the event in skintight £145 J Brand jeans, an £85 Ralph Lauren Breton-style top, a £369 Smythe one-buttoned jacket and, of course, those vertiginous wedges – a snip at £245 by Russell and Bromley.
Initially, the Duchess demurred when asked to take part in some of the activities being demonstrated.
Junior European judo medallist Nekoda Davis, 20, from Ealing, West London, was trying her hand at fencing. ‘She wanted to give it a go but said she would bring better footwear next time. She said it would be hard to fence in those shoes,’ she revealed.
Clearly, however, the Duchess had a change of heart by the time she reached the volleyball court.
Given her height (well over six foot in those wedges), she was put at the net and managed to slam back some very passable shots, although according to onlookers she missed a ‘sitter’ because of her shoes.
Many eyes, however, were on her remarkable post-baby body.
Sarah Barrett, managing editor of parenting website BabyCentre UK,
‘She looks fantastic’
said: ‘Antenatal yoga is an excellent choice for pregnant women. It’s different from traditional yoga and is a great way to stay in shape both during pregnancy and to help new mums get back into shape after pregnancy.
‘Kate obviously looks fantastic – and we wouldn’t be surprised if a little yoga was part of her secret.’
Set up in 1976, SportsAid helps support young athletes by helping them to meet essential costs for travel, training, competition fees and equipment. Yesterday’s event was Kate’s third official outing since she left hospital with George in July.
In contrast her son has not been seen in public since his debut on the steps of the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington.
He will, however, be seen again when he is christened at The Chapel Royal in a 45-minute service starting at 3pm at St James’s Palace on Wednesday. The A-Z guide to George’s christening – Pages 8&9