The Princess of Wales has marked her 44th birthday with a profoundly moving and personal reflection on her journey with cancer, released in a new video today.
A Birthday Message of Healing and Gratitude
On Thursday, 9th January 2026, Catherine, Princess of Wales, chose to celebrate her birthday by appearing in the final instalment of her 'Mother Nature' video series, titled 'Winter'. In her most candid public statement since her diagnosis, the princess spoke of her deep gratitude for healing and the restorative power of the natural world.
Kensington Palace stated that the film represents the culmination of a deeply personal creative project for the princess. It spotlights humanity's enduring connection to nature and its profound ability to inspire healing and growth in mind, body, and spirit. The series was launched last year with the 'Spring' episode at the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Finding Peace in the 'Coldest, Darkest Season'
In the 'Winter' episode, filmed during a walk in Berkshire, Kate Middleton offers a raw and poetic reflection on her own path over the past two years. She is seen embracing the quiet of the winter landscape as she shares her thoughts.
"Even in the coldest, darkest season, winter has a way of bringing us stillness, patience and quiet consideration," the Princess says. "Where the stream slows just enough for us to see our own reflection. To discover the deepest parts of ourselves."
She directly addresses her health battle, stating: "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."
She describes nature as "a quiet teacher and a soft voice that guides" and a force "helping us to heal."
A Broader Mission for Connection and Wellbeing
The philosophy behind the film is rooted in the critical need to reconnect humanity with itself and the natural world—a theme Kate recently explored in an essay co-authored with Professor Waldinger. The princess believes that in our complex, digital age, this interconnectedness is more vital than ever.
A palace source revealed: "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."
Promoting access to the outdoors and recognising nature's healing potential have long been central to the Princess of Wales's charitable work. On the accompanying social media post, a personalised caption from Kate 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."
She adds: "There is so much we can learn from mother nature, as we look to build a happier, healthier world. C"
The film, shot by Will Warr, also features footage captured in Cumbria, Gloucestershire, London, East Sussex, and The Cotswolds. This final birthday release offers the public a rare and intimate glimpse into the personal resilience and philosophical outlook of the future Queen, framing her own recovery as part of a universal human experience of finding light after darkness.
