Kate discusses cancer recovery and finding solace in nature

Summarised from 4 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 11 Nov, 13:50 · Archive

The Princess of Wales has spoken about her recovery from cancer in a rare interview published in Country Life magazine on Wednesday. The special issue was guest-edited by her husband, Prince William, the Prince of Wales. Kate was interviewed by Robert Macfarlane, an acclaimed author known for his writings on landscapes and the natural world.

The princess described how nature has been central to her recovery. She said: 'It doesn't ask anything of us. It doesn't judge us or expect us to perform. It simply allows us to be. It really has been my sanctuary and a place I've instinctively wanted to go.' She echoed medical advice she had been given, explaining: '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. It shows us that periods of rest, reflection and renewal are equally as important as moments of growth.'

When asked where she finds hope, Kate said she does so in nature's lessons 'that, despite the challenges life may throw at us, we are not alone and that we're interconnected with something bigger than ourselves'. Macfarlane told her he found hope in watching communities help to protect rivers as part of their discussion. Kate replied: 'I couldn't agree more. 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.'

The Mirror reports that Kate went public with her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 before announcing she was in remission just under a year later. Prince William is following in the footsteps of his father King Charles, stepmother Queen Camilla and aunt Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, by guest-editing the weekly magazine. The special issue also features a colourful drawing of a kingfisher contributed by Prince George.

How it is being reported

• Kate Middleton shares rare insight into ‘challenging’ cancer recovery: ‘It will take time’The Princess of Wales went public with her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, announcing six months later that she was cancer-free.New York Post · 11 Nov, 14:13
• Princess of Wales says nature has been 'my sanctuary' amid gruelling cancer battleKate spoke about the importance of nature in healing in a rare interview for Country Life magazineEvening Standard · 11 Nov, 09:02
• Kate Middleton discusses 'darkest of times' cancer recovery in rare interviewKate, Princess of Wales said she faced 'good days and bad days' after being diagnosed with cancer - and that spending time in nature helped her recovery in the 'darkest of times'The Mirror · 11 Nov, 08:06
• Kate opens up about recovery from cancer in rare interview: 'We are not alone'The Princess of Wales says that nature is her ‘sanctuary’The Independent · 11 Nov, 07:30
• Kate says nature ‘doesn’t judge us or expect us to perform’ in rare interviewThe princess discussed her recovery from cancer with Country Life magazine in a special edition guest-edited by the Prince of Wales.Evening Standard · 11 Nov, 06:47

In this story: Kate, Princess of Wales · Prince William, Prince of Wales · Robert Macfarlane · King Charles · Queen Camilla · Princess Anne · Prince George · Country Life

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