Kate, the Princess of Wales, shared an inspirational midwinter message highlighting how “deeply grateful” she feels for the healing power of Mother Nature — even during the darkest seasons.
The princess, who turned 44 on Friday, shared her message on healing in a clip shared on social media as part of an ongoing video series she launched in the spring, which is focused on the beauty and complexity of the human journey.
“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 and the pulse of every living thing,” Kate says in a voice-over on the clip.
“I find myself reflecting on how deeply grateful I am,” she continues. “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.”
As a personal note alongside the clip, Kate said she has found there is power in “nature and creativity in collective healing.” She added that in her experience, taking lessons from Mother Nature can help “build a happier, healthier world.”
Since announcing her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, Kate has kept her public appearances limited and mostly communicates with the public through social media statements.
It has been a year since Kate announced her cancer had gone into remission. To mark the milestone, Kate joined her husband, Prince William, on an unexpected visit to Charing Cross Hospital in London, where the couple chatted with patients, staff and volunteers.
Kate told patients about her own approach to recovery, and highlighted the importance of holistic healing.
“Whether it’s a casual conversation, or it’s the art therapy, or walking, going to a cafe with a patient, it makes such a big difference in that recovery healing journey and also confidence going back into home life,” she said, per Today.
She added, “Those small things do really matter.”
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A year ago, Kate confirmed that her cancer had gone into remission, noting that her focus was still on making a full recovery and that she would ease back into her public duties.
“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery,” Kate wrote in a statement shared on X at the time. “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.”
“I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
It has been nearly two years since Kate underwent a “planned abdominal surgery,” which led to doctors detecting and diagnosing her cancer.
Since her diagnosis, Kate has maintained a minimal public profile and is gradually returning to royal duties.
Her July visit to Colchester Hospital, where she received her own cancer treatment, was part of her gradual return to making royal appearances — many of which have centered on her newfound perspective on healing and health.
While speaking with hospital staff and patients, Kate described her recovery process as a “roller coaster,” and emphasized the importance of community support.
She also detailed how life-altering a cancer diagnosis can be for patients and their loved ones.
“It’s life-changing for anyone, through first diagnosis or post-treatment and things like that, it is a life-changing experience both for the individual patient but also for the families as well,” she said, as previously reported by the Deseret News.
“And actually, it sometimes goes unrecognized, you don’t necessarily, particularly when it’s the first time, you don’t appreciate how much impact it is going to have. You have to find your new normal, and that takes time.”