The Princess of Wales has spoken of her gratitude for healing from cancer and continuing to immerse herself in nature as she marks her 44th birthday. Today, Kate has released and appeared the final instalment of the Mother Nature video series – Winter.
In her most personal reflection of her cancer journey, the princess said being able to heal in nature had allowed her to “Come to peace with our tears and discover what it means to be alive.” The release of the film is the culmination of a deeply personal creative project for the princess, spotlighting humanity’s longstanding connection to nature, as well as nature’s capacity to inspire us and help us to heal and grow in mind, body and spirit, Kensington Palace said.
(
KensingtonRoyal)
The project was launched last year with the Spring episode at the start of last year’s Mental Health Awareness Week. In the Winter episode, the Princess is seen on a walk in Berkshire and reflects personally on her own journey and healing over the past two years, saying: “Even in the coldest, darkest season, winter has a way of bringing us stillness, patience and quiet consideration. Where the stream slows just enough for us to see our own reflection.
“To discover the deepest parts of ourselves. Alongside the whispers in the pulse of every living thing. I find myself reflecting on how deeply grateful I am.
“For the rivers within us flow with ease, fears washed away, cleanse and purify. Come to peace with our tears and discover what it means to be alive. To be at one with nature; a quiet teacher and a soft voice that guides. In memory. Helping us to heal.” Other elements of the film were captured in Cumbria, Gloucestershire, London, East Sussex and The Cotswolds by Will Warr.
The philosophy of this film, as with the rest of the series, is rooted in the need to reconnect humanity – something Kate explored in her recent essay with Professor Waldinger.
The princess believes that as we confront the challenges of an increasingly complex and digital world, the importance of interconnectedness – the connection we have with ourselves, each other and nature – takes on even more significance.
A palace source said: “The Princess is excited to explore what more we could do to harness the power of nature and creativity for human connection, healing and wellbeing – for individuals, families, communities and society. We look forward to sharing more on this soon.” The healing power of nature and promoting access to the outdoors have long been close to the princess’s heart.
On social media, the Winter episode is accompanied by a personalised caption from Kate which reads: “The Mother Nature series has been a deeply personal, creative reflection on how nature has helped me heal. But it is also a story about the power of nature and creativity in collective healing. There is so much we can learn from mother nature, as we look to build a happier, healthier world. C.”
Kate’s birthday comes just days before the first anniversary of her announcement at the start of 2025 that she was in remission from cancer. Yesterday, she made a surprise appearance visiting a hospital to show support for under pressure NHS staff.
The princess dropped by Charing Cross Hospital with the Prince of Wales as the pair carried out their first public engagement of 2026. Kate joined William, who had been planning to pay a solo visit, to drop in on NHS workers on a tea break in west London to offer support amid the challenging winter period, which has seen record levels of flu cases.
Chatting to volunteer Maureen Gilmour, 86, who helps patients during their chemotherapy, the princess was told that “people sit there for hours”. Kate replied, “I know”, before touching William on the arm and adding: “We know.”
The future queen will be hoping for a fresh start in 2026, with the Wales family settling into their new home, the Grade II-listed eight-bedroom Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, after a move from Adelaide Cottage in the autumn.
Kate has gradually increased her public engagements over the past year, returning to state banquets including the one hosted for US president Donald Trump at Windsor Castle.
She missed Royal Ascot as she sought the right balance in the wake of her cancer treatment, but attended the VE Day commemorations, Trooping the Colour and the annual Order of the Garter service, made a solo visit to a V&A storage facility in London and travelled to meet the bereaved families of the girls killed in the Southport attack.
She also debuted a new “bronde” look, stepping out with a blonder balayage in September. Kate has yet to undertake an overseas tour since her cancer diagnosis.
William is expected to travel to the US for the Fifa World Cup in July, around the same time as commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, but it is not yet known whether the princess will join him.
Last year, the prince marked Kate’s 43rd birthday by making a public declaration of his love for his wife. In a rare move, William issued a heartfelt written message on social media after a turbulent 2024 which saw Kate diagnosed with cancer, praising her as “most incredible wife and mother”, and saying “the strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable”. He said he and George, Charlotte and Louis were proud of her, adding “we love you”.
Get the inside scoop on the monarchy with Mirror Royal
WHATSAPP GROUP: Be first to get the biggest royal bombshells and exclusives to your phone by joining our Royal WhatsApp here.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
