Princess of Wales marks 44th birthday with ‘deeply personal’ video revealing how ‘deeply grateful’ she is ‘to be alive’ after cancer battle
The Princess of Wales celebrated her 44th birthday today with a ‘deeply personal’ video in which she described the comfort she received from nature during her cancer treatment and said she was ‘so grateful to be alive’.
Kensington Palace has released Winter, the latest installment of its year-long ‘Mother Nature’ video series, featuring the voice of Catherine and footage captured on her early morning walk in Berkshire, near her home in Windsor.
An aide described today’s release as ‘the culmination of a deeply personal creative project for Princess that highlights humanity’s long-standing connection with nature, as well as nature’s capacity to inspire us and help us heal and grow in mind, body and spirit.’
In the voiceover for the winter episode, Her Majesty personally reflects on her own journey and recovery over the past two years, speaking of her ‘fears’ and ‘tears’, her recovery and how she is ‘deeply grateful…to be alive’.
He says: ‘Even in the coldest, darkest season, winter brings us serenity, patience and quiet thoughtfulness.
‘Where the current slows down enough for us to see our own reflection.
‘Discovering the deepest aspects of ourselves. Next to the whispers in the pulse of every living thing.
‘I find myself thinking about how grateful I am.
The Princess underwent major abdominal surgery in January 2024, after doctors found evidence of cancer and she underwent a grueling preventive chemotherapy treatment (Image: The Prince and Princess of Wales yesterday)
The video featured the Princess of Wales enjoying the wonders of nature throughout the season.
In the voiceover for the winter episode, Her Majesty reflects personally on her journey and recovery over the past two years following her cancer diagnosis
‘For the rivers within us flow with ease, fears are washed away, cleansed and purified. Discover what it means to make peace and survive through our tears.
‘Being one with nature; a quiet teacher and a gentle voice that guides. In memory. It helps us heal.’
There was also a personally penned title: ‘The Mother Nature series has been a deeply personal and 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 a lot we can learn from mother nature as we try to build a happier, healthier world. C.’
The princess underwent major abdominal surgery in January 2024, after which doctors found evidence of cancer and she underwent a grueling course of preventive chemotherapy.
He personally announced the news in a video message in March.
In September of the same year, he also revealed the news that he had completed treatment but warned that his recovery and return to royal duties would be slow but steady.
In January last year, he gave the good news that he had finally entered the recovery process, but once again asked for public understanding regarding his return to public life.
An aide described today’s release as ‘the culmination of a deeply personal creative project for the Princess’
Catherine was seen enjoying a moonlit walk as she talked about how nature can help ‘heal’
The Princess of Wales celebrated her 44th birthday today with a ‘deeply personal’ video about the comfort she received from nature during her cancer treatment
The video featured beautiful winter scenes from across the UK, including icy fields and falling snow
The Princess is understood to be ‘excited’ to move forward and explore what more can be done to harness the power of nature and creativity for human connection.
Kensington Palace said its ‘Mother Nature’ series, in which a new video appears on social media every quarter to mark the passing of the seasons, is ‘a reflection of the beauty and complexity of the human experience’.
Kensington Palace said its ‘Mother Nature’ series, in which a new video appears on social media every quarter to mark the passing of the seasons, is ‘a reflection of the beauty and complexity of the human experience’. It’s a tribute to the lessons we can learn from nature, which help us stimulate our own growth and strengthen our connections with the world around us and with each other.’
The spring chapter was the first to launch at the start of last year’s Mental Health Awareness Week.
They said that the philosophy of this film, like the rest of the series, is based on the need to reconnect humanity; This is something Catherine explored in a recent article she wrote with Professor Waldinger on the importance of family life and childhood.
They added: ‘As we face the challenges of an increasingly complex and digital world, the importance of interconnectedness – our connection with ourselves, each other and nature – becomes even more important.’
The Princess is understood to be ‘excited’ to move forward and explore what more can be done to harness the power of nature and creativity for human connection, healing and well-being for individuals, families, communities and society.
“We look forward to sharing more on this soon,” an aide said.
‘These themes will continue to be central to the Princess’ work going forward.’
The new film was created and produced by Will Warr. As well as the Princess’ walk in Berkshire, elements were also captured in Cumbria, Gloucestershire, London, East Sussex and the Cotswolds.
