Princess of Wales says she is ‘deeply grateful to be alive’ after cancer as she marks 44th birthday

The Princess of Wales has marked her 44th birthday today with a ‘deeply personal’ video about the comfort she has taken from nature during her cancer treatment, saying how ‘deeply grateful’ she is ‘to be alive’.

Kensington Palace released the final instalment of their year-long ‘Mother Nature’ video series – Winter – which has a voice-over from Catherine and features footage of her on an early morning walk in Berkshire, close to her Windsor home.

An aide described today’s release as ‘the culmination of a deeply personal creative project for The Princess, spotlighting humanity’s longstanding connection to nature, as well as nature’s capacity to inspire us and help us to heal and grow in mind, body and spirit.’

In the voiceover for the Winter episode, Her Royal Highness reflects personally on her own journey and healing over the past two years, talking of her ‘fears’ and ‘tears’, as well as her healing and how she is ‘deeply grateful…to be alive’.

She says: ‘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 in the pulse of every living thing.  ‘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.

‘To be at one with nature; a quiet teacher and a soft voice that guides. In memory. Helping us to heal.’

There was also a personally-penned caption saying: ‘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.’

The princess underwent major abdominal surgery in January 2024 after which doctors found evidence of cancer and she underwent a course of gruelling preventative chemotherapy.  She announced the news personally in a video message that March.

In September the same year she also revealed the news that she had completed treatment but warned that her recovery and return to royal duties would be slow but steady.

In January last year she gave the good news that she was finally in remission but again asked for public understanding about her return to public life.

Kensington Palace said her ‘Mother Nature’ series, which has seen a new video realised on social media each quarter to mark the passing of the seasons, has been a ‘reflection of the beauty and complexity of the human experience. It is a tribute to the lessons we can learn from nature, helping us to foster our own growth, strengthen our bonds with the world around us and each other.’

The Spring episode was the first launched at the start of last year’s Mental Health Awareness Week.

The philosophy of this film, as with the rest of the series, they said, is rooted in the need to reconnect humanity, something Catherine explored in a recent essay on the importance of family life and childhood with Professor Waldinger.

They added: ‘As we confront the challenges of an increasingly complex and digital world, the importance of interconnectedness – the connection we have with ourselves, each other and nature – takes on even more significance.’

It is understood that moving forward, The Princess is ‘excited to explore’ what more can be done 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,’ an aide said.  ‘These themes will continue to be at the heart of The Princess’ work moving forwards.’

The new film was made and produced by Will Warr. As well as the princess’ walk in Berkshire, elements were captured in Cumbria, Gloucestershire, London, East Sussex and The Cotswolds.