Catherine, Princess of Wales, has released a deeply personal video on her 44th birthday, reflecting on how nature helped her heal after cancer treatment. The film, titled "Winter," marks the final installment of her year-long "Mother Nature series" and comes just days before the first anniversary of her remission announcement in January 2025.
In the video, filmed near her Windsor home in Berkshire, Catherine shares poetic reflections on healing and gratitude. «Even in the coldest, darkest season, winter has a way of bringing us stillness, patience and quiet consideration,» she says in the voiceover. «Where the stream slows just enough for us to see our own reflection.»
The Princess describes finding peace after her cancer battle. «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,» she reflects. «To be at one with nature; a quiet teacher and a soft voice that guides. In memory. Helping us to heal.»
In a message accompanying the video, Catherine wrote: «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.»
Hospital visit highlights compassion
The video release followed a visit to Charing Cross Hospital in London on January 8, where Catherine accompanied Prince William. The Princess reportedly initiated the visit herself to thank NHS workers.
During the visit, Catherine emphasized the human element of cancer care. «From a patient's experience it's important things not in the job description, such as kindness and compassion,» she said.
Cancer journey and recovery
Catherine received a cancer diagnosis in early 2024 following major abdominal surgery in January. She publicly announced the diagnosis in March and underwent preventative chemotherapy, completing treatment in September the same year.
She announced she was in remission in January 2025. Her royal engagements have since increased significantly, from 13 appearances in 2024 to 68 in 2025.
The Mother Nature series launched in spring during Mental Health Awareness Week. The quarterly videos were filmed across various locations including Cumbria, Gloucestershire, London, East Sussex and the Cotswolds.
Kensington Palace described the series as a reflection on humanity's connection to nature and its capacity to inspire healing and growth. The themes of nature, creativity and collective wellbeing will continue to feature in Catherine's future work.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
