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We are SO thankful to hear Princess Catherine speak on this!
In a new interview with Country Life, Kate Middleton reflects on her battle with cancer, what she’s learned from it, and how it’s brought her back to her first love — nature.
She revealed that doctors prepared her for a recovery that would involve setbacks as well as progress, something she came to recognize in the changing seasons and natural cycles around her.
“I was told in hospital that my recovery would not be linear. There will be good days and bad days, that it will take time. This is the same in nature.”
Her conversation with nature writer Robert Macfarlane touched on everything from childhood memories:
“I remember from a very early age spending a lot of time in nature, playing in streams, walking in the countryside, blackberry picking or simply time alone in my own world, enjoying the simplicity of ordinary things, such as digging under the laurel bush for what I thought was treasure. There was always a sense of freedom I felt in nature, something about being outdoors that is hard to find elsewhere.”
To motherhood:
“When we are little, we seem to notice things more. Like the changing light through the trees, the sound of water, the joy of crunching leaves or finding a feather. These moments can seem ordinary, but, often, they’re the things we remember most. Sadly, this is something I think we lose touch with as adults. We are often so busy we simply forget to pause, slow down and notice the detail in life. It is something I remind myself to do with my own children; to give them freedom to explore, rather than constantly telling them what to see or what to think.”
To the importance of slowing down, accepting life’s uncertainties and finding strength in the places that surround us:
“I think, above all, nature teaches us perspective. It reflects so much of the human experience. It encourages us to let go, especially of the things we cannot control, to slow down, to be present and to remember that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.”
In January 2024, Prince William‘s wife had to undergo major abdominal surgery.
Testing afterward revealed that cancer was present. Later that year, following a photo altering controversy on social media that left fans puzzled, she disclosed her diagnosis to the public.
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After enduring rounds of preventative chemotherapy, she announced in September 2024 that she had completed treatment. Then, in January 2025, she shared another significant update, revealing her cancer was finally in remission.
Thank God!
The Princess of Wales explained further how the natural world provided a comforting constant during a time when so much else was uncertain:
“Nature has allowed me to find a deeper connection to my mind, body and spirit. It doesn’t ask anything of us. It doesn’t judge us or expect us to perform. It simply allows us to be.”
That sense of freedom has taken on an even greater meaning for Catherine following her illness.
Rather than expecting constant progress, Catherine has come to appreciate that periods of quiet and restoration have their own purpose. Nature, she suggested, offers a reminder that growth doesn’t happen on a fixed schedule and that there is value in allowing ourselves the time we need.
The 44-year-old mother worries that younger generations are growing up with fewer opportunities to disconnect from screens and develop a relationship with the world outside.
“Children have a very innate relationship with nature. When they are in an outdoor environment, they can explore their thoughts and feelings in a subconscious way. What worries me is the growing anxiety among children and young people. It’s a generation that’s more online and connected to tech than ever before. In this increasingly digital world, I believe it is more important than ever that children grow up with a strong sense of belonging, connection and emotional security. Nature is a natural environment where those skills can be built.”
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Her concerns also speak to a larger point she made throughout the interview: people need places where they can feel grounded, connected and supported, particularly when life becomes difficult.
“In difficult moments especially, nature can help us reconnect with ourselves and with the things that matter most. It reminds us that we’re part of something larger than our immediate worries and challenges.”
Of course, she also emphasized that having dependable people nearby and somewhere peaceful to turn can make a meaningful difference when navigating challenging circumstances.
“I find hope in the lessons nature teaches: that, despite the challenges life may throw at us, we are not alone and that we’re interconnected with something bigger than ourselves. Nature reminds us that change is inevitable. We might not be able to have certainty or control every outcome, but we can do the small things, and those small things add up and do make a difference, if we nurture what is around us and have faith. … It is the sense of hope we find in the darkest of times. We need to find the things that we can do alongside others, ways to connect and give back. Mind Over Mountains is another one of those wonderful organisations, with volunteers giving back, building a sense of community, together creating change. Nature in this way can bring communities together, strengthen relationships and help foster a deeper sense of belonging for us all. In that sense, healing and recovery is not simply about our individual experience, it is also a collective experience.”
Then, when the conversation turned to whether nature’s greatest gift might be teaching us how to live rather than simply helping us heal, the Princess agreed, explaining:
“That’s why nature has felt so important to me — it is a quiet teacher. Sometimes, when life is very loud, a quiet teacher is exactly what we need.”
Such a good message. Less rushing, more meaningful connections, and a renewed appreciation for the simple things is something we could all benefit from!
Wishing her continued growth and healing among the trees.
Click here to read her full interview, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!
[Image via MEGA/WENN]