Queen amused by ladies’ ‘bikini’ workout
THE SIGHT of elderly keep-fit enthusiasts being put through a “bikini body-ready” workout amused the Queen as she celebrated the 60th anniversary of a centre named in memory of her father.
As women in their 80s and 90s lifted balls above their heads and down to their feet, the Queen watched, smiling, as volunteer Kathy Pirrie led the class at the King George VI Day Centre in Windsor.
Mrs Pirrie, 67, joked with her group just before the Queen arrived, telling them “we’ve got to get bikini body-ready” and then later told the Royal guest: “Our mantra is smile – small moves improve lives every day”.
The Queen, making her first official appearance since the Duke of Edinburgh’s hip operation last week, thought the balls were balloons and was given one to hold and appeared surprised at its lightness.
Mrs Pirrie said after the visit: “It was fabulous, it was lovely, I knew she was behind me at one stage and it felt a little like ‘oh my goodness’.”
Meanwhile, a biographer of Diana, Princess of Wales has said Meghan Markle is a “very different kind” of Royal bride who has brought millions of followers to the Royal Family.
Dewsbury-born Andrew Morton said the American star is joining the Windsors fully formed, with her own successful career. In his new book, Meghan
– A Hollywood Princess, Morton charts Ms Markle’s rise to stardom.