The Princess of Wales has marked her 44th birthday with a profoundly moving and personal reflection on her journey through cancer, released in a new video focused on the healing power of the natural world.
A Personal Reflection on Healing and Gratitude
On Thursday, 9th January 2026, Catherine, Princess of Wales, released the final instalment of her Mother Nature video series, titled 'Winter'. In the film, she offers her most intimate commentary to date on her health battle, expressing deep gratitude for her recovery and the role nature played in it.
Kensington Palace stated the project spotlights humanity's enduring connection to nature and its capacity to inspire healing and growth in mind, body, and spirit. The series launched last year with a Spring episode during Mental Health Awareness Week.
"Discover What It Means to Be Alive"
In the Winter episode, filmed during a walk in Berkshire, the Princess reflects on the past two years. "Even in the coldest, darkest season, winter has a way of bringing us stillness, patience and quiet consideration," she says. "Where the stream slows just enough for us to see our own reflection."
She continues with a powerful message of resilience: "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" in memory, helping us to heal.
A Vision for Collective Wellbeing
The philosophy behind the film is rooted in the critical need to reconnect humanity, a theme the Princess recently explored in an essay co-authored with Professor Waldinger. She believes that in an increasingly complex digital world, our interconnectedness with ourselves, each other, and nature 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." They added that more on this initiative would be shared soon.
In a personalised caption accompanying the video on social media, Kate 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." She concluded by noting there is much to learn from nature "as we look to build a happier, healthier world."
The promotion of nature's healing power and access to the outdoors have long been central to the Princess's charitable work. Additional footage for the Winter film was captured by Will Warr in locations including Cumbria, Gloucestershire, London, East Sussex, and The Cotswolds.
