Princess Kate says she is ‘deeply grateful’ as she celebrates her 44th birthday
The Princess of Wales said she was “deeply grateful” and that “nature is helping to heal” as she celebrated her 44th birthday.
In a video posted on social media on Friday, Kate said: “Even in the coldest, darkest season, winter has a way of bringing us serenity, patience and silence.”
It comes as part of the latest installment of Kensington Palace’s quarterly event Mother Nature The series was launched by the Princess in the spring to celebrate the changing seasons in England.
The Princess added: “Where the stream slows down 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 thinking about how deeply grateful I am. The rivers within us flow with ease, fears are washed away, cleansed and purified. Let’s make peace with our tears and discover what it means to survive. Being one with nature; a silent teacher and a gentle voice that guides. In memory. It helps us heal.”
It follows a surprise royal appearance at Charing Cross Hospital on Thursday, where Kate joined the Prince of Wales to show her support for NHS staff.
The royal family stopped by NHS staff during a tea break in West London to offer support during the difficult winter period, which has caused a rise in flu cases.
It was the couple’s first public appearance in the new year after William had initially planned a solo visit.
Maureen Gilmour, an 86-year-old volunteer who helps patients during chemotherapy, told the princess that “people were sitting there for hours.”
“I know,” Kate replied before touching William’s arm and adding: “We know.”
Last year, Kate Middleton visited the Royal Marsden Hospital in a similar fashion, marking her first royal engagement in 2025.
The princess’s birthday on Friday comes just days before the one-year anniversary of her announcement that she will be cancer-free at the beginning of 2025.
After moving from Adelaide Cottage in the autumn, the Wales family lived in Windsor Great Park during World War II. This year marks a fresh start for the royal family as they settle into a new home, the grade-listed eight-bedroom Forest Lodge.
The princess was last seen on Christmas Day with her husband and three children during the royal family’s traditional walk to church at Sandringham in Norfolk.
Their eldest child, Prince George, will be a teenager, celebrating his 13th birthday in July. The prince is preparing to leave prep school Lambrook and start high school in September; Marlborough College and Eton are also thought to be options.
Kate has gradually stepped back from her public appearances over the past year following her cancer recovery, returning to state banquets, including US president Donald Trump’s banquet at Windsor Castle.
He was absent during Royal Ascot as he sought the right balance following cancer treatment, but did attend VE Day commemorations, Trooping the Color and the annual Order of the Garter service, as well as making a solo visit to the V&A storage facility and a meeting with the grieving families of those killed during the Southport attack.
Kate has not toured abroad since her cancer diagnosis. William is expected to travel to the United States for the FIFA World Cup in July, which will coincide with the 250th anniversary of American independence, but it is not yet clear whether the princess will join him.
Last year, the prince celebrated Kate’s birthday by publicly declaring his love for his wife. In a rare move, William shared a heartfelt message on social media following a tumultuous year that saw Kate diagnosed with cancer in 2024. He praised Kate as “the most incredible wife and mother” and said “the strength you have shown this past year has been extraordinary.”
He stated that he, George, Charlotte and Louis were proud of him and said “we love you”.
