Princess Kate Middleton is finding “peace” in nature after her battle with cancer.
“I find it a very spiritual and very intense emotional reconnection, I suppose, these environments,” Kate, 43, said in a video released by Kensington Palace on Monday, April 14.
“Not everyone has that same relationship perhaps with nature,” she continued, “but it is so therefore meaningful for me as a place to balance and find a sort of sense of peace and reconnection in what is otherwise a very busy world.”
In the clip, Kate — the joint president of the Scouts youth organization in the U.K. — was shown walking through the woods in England’s Lake District, and speaking with a group of kids involved in Scouts. The princess raised awareness of the positive impact of nature on young people, especially when it comes to building confidence, life skills and a healthy sense of perspective.
“What’s so fantastic about Scouts is that the same foundation’s sort of always been there,” she said, adding, “It still resonates with so many young people. And it’s making such a massive difference to them.”
Last month, Kate spoke of nature’s healing effect in an Instagram video celebrating the U.K.’s Mothering Sunday.
“Over the past year, nature has been our sanctuary,” the mom of three wrote alongside dreamy footage of flowers blooming and herself resting her hands on a tree. “This Mother’s Day,” she noted, “let us celebrate Mother Nature and recognize how our bond with the natural world can help not only nurture our inner selves, but remind us too of the role we play within the rich tapestry of life.”
It’s been more than one year since Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis. She took a hiatus from royal appearances as she underwent treatment. In the summer of 2024, she reentered public life at a charity event as well as Wimbledon, and that September, she shared that she had completed chemotherapy and was on a “long” road to recovery. In January, she revealed that she is in remission from cancer.
“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal,” she said via Instagram at the time. “I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead.”
Since her announcement, the future queen has appeared healthy at numerous events she’s attended solo and alongside husband Prince William, including the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in March. “Kate looked wonderful,” royal biographer Hugo Vickers said at the time.
As she eases back into the spotlight, Kate intends to make her health a priority.
“Kate’s return to royal duties has been careful and considered, reflecting her need to protect her well-being,” royal commentator Afua Acheampong-Hagan exclusively told Us Weekly earlier this month. “Her ability to manage this transition will set a precedent for how the royal family balances duty with personal well-being in the future.”
