Nature my sanctuary during cancer treatment, Princess Catherine says

"The natural world's capacity to inspire us, to nurture us and help us heal and grow is boundless and has been understood for generations." Source: AP PHOTO.

The Princess of Wales is pressing the importance of nature, saying it has been her sanctuary in the past year in which she underwent preventive chemotherapy for cancer.

In a video posted on X, which featured footage of her and her husband, heir to the throne Prince William, as well as images of the British landscape, Catherine spoke of the importance to her of the natural world.

“Over the past year, nature has been my sanctuary,” she said in the video released to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, a major campaign issue for the couple.

“The natural world’s capacity to inspire us, to nurture us and help us heal and grow is boundless and has been understood for generations.

“Spring is a season of rebirth, of hope and new beginnings from the dark days of winter, the outside world quietly awakens with new life, and there comes a sense of optimism, anticipation and positive, hopeful change.

“Just as nature revives and renews, so too can we. Let us reconnect nature and celebrate a new dawn within our hearts.”

It was almost a year ago when Catherine, 43, made the dramatic announcement that she would undergo a course of chemotherapy after tests taken following major abdominal surgery in January 2024 revealed that an unspecified form of cancer had been present.

She completed the course of treatment in September and said earlier in 2025 she was now in remission.

In April, Catherine and William visited a picturesque Scottish island to celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary, with footage of that visit featuring in her latest video.

If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline — 13 11 14; MensLine Australia — 1300 789 978; BeyondBlue — 1300 224 636; Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467; Headspace — 1800 650 890; Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800.

Want to read more stories like these?

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news, competitions, games, jokes and travel ideas.