At a public engagement last week, the Princess of Wales received touching reinforcement that she's on the right track.
After she endured chemotherapy for abdominal-related cancer last year, it’s uplifting to see the Princess of Wales back in full swing.
Last week, Kate Middleton attended a Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to commemorate Armistice Day on November 11. Afterward, the princess had the opportunity to meet with World War II veterans, including 100-year-old Bill Redston. Kneeling down and holding Redston’s hand, the princess reportedly asked him for his secret to longevity.
His answer? People.com reported, “The royal learned that [Redston] credited keeping fit—and [she] was surprised to find out that he ran the London Marathon at age 65 and the New York City Marathon the following year!”
Princess Catherine has been called a “keen” runner, and famously loves sports like tennis and field hockey. People notes sources have said she’s recently taken up cold water swimming, and was said to have returned to a workout routine months after completing chemotherapy treatments in 2024.
Even though walking has gained mainstream popularity in recent years for its relative accessibility, running has, in fact, been shown to potentially lengthen lifespan. In 2017, one cardiology study cited research, noting: “[…R]unners have a 25%–40% reduced risk of premature mortality and live approximately three years longer than non-runners.”
Adding to the potential cardiovascular benefits, research has shown running can contribute to better sleep and can strengthen bones (which can help prevent fall injuries that increase premature death risk after age 65). Many runners will also agree that heading out for a run is a liberating moment to decompress the mind. Increasingly, research is showing that combatting stress is essential for living long.
Before you slide into your sneakers, talk with your doctor. They might suggest you start slowly to develop some endurance before you ramp up to longer runs.
For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:
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- Research: This Is an Even Better Predictor of Long Life Than Marriage
- Intensity vs. Amount: This Type of Workout Is More Likely To Lengthen Lifespan, Found Recent Study
- New Study: These 3 Simple Changes Could Reduce Your Fall Risk, Say Longevity Experts
