REVEALED: HE’S INSPECTING GADGETS

THe Duke of edinburgh yesterday revealed one of the secrets of relaxing as a royal . . . playing with executive toys.

Among the gadgets in his private ‘Sunshine Room’ at Buckingham Palace are an electronic chess set, a magnetic pattern game and a large novelty thermometer. ‘They’re fascinating things,’ said Philip, who explains his busy schedule leaves him little time to himself. ‘I admit I haven’t used the chess set yet, but I do enjoy the magnets.’

The stress-relieving toys caught the eyes of young reporters Heather Buttivant, Anneli Oakes and James Palmer during an interview for a children’s newspaper. ‘The chess set was very high-tech with a flashing score board,’ said 13-yearold Heather, from newquay, Cornwall. ‘But he said he enjoyed the magnetic toy. The thermometer was clever. It was shaped like a test tube and filled with water and little glass balls of mercury — which get pushed upwards as it gets hotter to tell the temperature.’

The Prince had invited the youngsters to the Palace after reading articles on the environment they had written for the early Times.

Last night, a top psychologist explained how executive toys can often help people who lead busy, stress-filled lives. ‘They can relieve tension, and allow people to switch off for a short time’, said stress expert Professor Cary Cooper.

‘electronic chess would be very useful because it gives the brain something else to think about.’

Thursday, March 8, 1990