The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has consistently turned to the natural world for comfort and strength, particularly during her challenging journey through cancer treatment and recovery. Her profound belief in the healing power of the outdoors is a central pillar of her personal life and public work, though one specific passion has even drawn a humorous reaction from her husband, Prince William.
Nature as a Sanctuary During Illness
In a deeply personal video titled 'Mother Nature: Spring', released in May 2025, Kate openly shared how nature served as her refuge. "Over the past year, nature has been my sanctuary," she revealed. She spoke of gaining a deeper understanding of interconnectedness, balance, and resilience through her time outdoors. This theme was poignantly echoed in her Mother's Day message in March 2025, where she encouraged celebrating 'Mother Nature' and recognising the bond that nurtures our inner selves.
Royal expert Katie Nicholl noted the significance of Kate choosing outdoor settings for major health announcements. "When Catherine told us about her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, she sat outside in the gardens at Windsor, with beautiful daffodils behind her," Nicholl explained. Similarly, the September 2024 video announcing the end of her chemotherapy was a departure from tradition, featuring intimate family clips in forests and fields.
William's 'Crazy' Verdict on a Chilly Passion
Among Kate's many outdoor pursuits, one has particularly raised the eyebrows of the Prince of Wales: her love for wild swimming. In an interview on Mike Tindall's podcast, The Good, The Bad and The Rugby, Kate confessed, "I love swimming wherever I can. Cold swimming – the colder, the better. I absolutely love it."
She humorously added that her enthusiasm reaches "slightly to the point where William’s [saying], ‘You’re crazy’ and it’s dark and it’s raining. I will go and seek out cold water." This hobby, believed to boost mood and reduce stress, is a testament to her hardy attitude towards embracing all weather conditions.
Passing a Love of the Outdoors to the Next Generation
Kate's commitment to nature is deeply rooted in her childhood and is something she is passionate about instilling in her three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. She has stated she is at her happiest when "with my family outside in the countryside and we’re all filthy dirty."
From jumping off sand dunes in Norfolk to toasting sausages on bonfires, the Wales family is known for embracing the elements. On Giovanna Fletcher’s podcast, Kate emphasised creating core memories of simple outdoor adventures, rather than a pressured home life.
Her advocacy extends into her official roles. As patron of the Natural History Museum, she helped open its new educational gardens in 2024. Furthermore, Kate made history as the first female President of the Scout Association in 2020, a role where she actively promotes outdoor access for youth development. In a candid film with Chief Scout Dwayne Fields, she described her "spiritual" and "intense emotional reconnection" with natural environments.
As the Princess of Wales continues on her path to full health, the great outdoors remains a steadfast companion, offering peace and perspective amidst the unique demands of her royal life.
