Princess Kate has spoken about the difficult stages of her cancer recovery, revealing that doctors warned her the process would not be straightforward. In an interview with Country Life magazine, the Princess of Wales also discussed how spending time in nature supported her emotional wellbeing during treatment and recovery.

Published on 11 November 2026, the interview was conducted by author Robert Macfarlane for a special edition guest-edited by Prince William. Kate discussed her childhood experiences outdoors, her approach to parenting and the importance of giving children opportunities to explore nature.

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Reflecting on her experience, Kate said her illness had strengthened her belief in a whole-person approach to recovery.

“What I feel really passionate about, having had first-hand experience, is approaching illness and recovery through a whole-person approach,” she said.

She described nature as her sanctuary, explaining that it gave her a place where she could simply be herself.

“It doesn’t ask anything of us. It doesn’t judge us or expect us to perform. It simply allows us to be,” she said.

The Princess also recalled the advice she received from doctors while in hospital.

“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,” she explained.

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Kate also spoke about her childhood memories of playing in streams and picking blackberries. She hopes Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will have similar opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. She also expressed concern about the amount of time young people spend online and the growing anxiety among children.

The interview coincided with Kate’s visit to The Chase Community Hospital in Bordon, Hampshire, on Armistice Day. She met healthcare professionals using the Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBB), a screening tool designed to help identify signs of social withdrawal in infants.

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For the engagement, the Princess wore a tailored tweed suit believed to be by London-based designer Bella Freud. She paired it with a cranberry-coloured roll-neck, a burgundy Smythson handbag and matching Gianvito Rossi heels. A remembrance poppy was pinned to her jacket.

Kate announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 and confirmed in September that year that she had completed chemotherapy. In January 2025, she revealed that her cancer was in remission.

Kate Middleton and Prince William have shared a previously unseen family photograph featuring their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, to mark Mountain Rescue Awareness Day.

Posted on Sunday, 25 October, the image shows the Prince and Princess of Wales with their children alongside members of a mountain rescue team and a golden retriever. The photograph was taken in June after Kate completed the National Three Peaks Challenge, which involved climbing the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours.

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The couple used the Instagram post to thank the volunteers who help keep walkers and climbers safe in Britain’s mountains. Their message highlighted the work of rescue teams who respond to emergencies in difficult terrain and often challenging weather conditions.

“Through our connection with this remarkable organisation, we have seen first-hand the dedication, professionalism and compassion that define their work,” William and Kate wrote.

They added that meeting local mountain rescue teams during the challenge had given them an opportunity to thank the volunteers in person for their work throughout the year.

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The photograph features George, 13, Charlotte, 11, and Louis, eight, with their parents. William and Kate wore brown tops, while George and Charlotte appeared in navy blue tops and jeans. The group also included members of the rescue team who supported the expedition.

Kate undertook the Three Peaks Challenge in June to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which supports the hospital where she received cancer treatment. The challenge took her to Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales, also known by its Welsh name, Yr Wyddfa.

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Mountain Rescue Awareness Day takes place when the clocks go back in the UK, drawing attention to the need for preparation as daylight hours shorten. Mountain rescue volunteers provide assistance to walkers, climbers and others who encounter difficulties in the hills.

William has served as patron of Mountain Rescue England and Wales since 2007. The couple’s latest post recognises the volunteers’ work while sharing another family photograph from Kate’s challenge.

Kate Middleton arrived at the world premiere of Digger in London with Prince William, wearing a custom purple Jenny Packham gown and historic pieces from the royal jewellery collection.

The Princess of Wales attended the premiere at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square on Tuesday, September 22, alongside William, Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Riz Ahmed, Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Jesse Plemons and Emma D’Arcy. The event was the 73rd Royal Film Performance, held to raise funds for The Film and TV Charity, which supports people working across the film and television industries.

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For the occasion, Kate chose a floor-length purple chiffon gown by Jenny Packham. The custom design had long sheer sleeves, a plunging neckline, a pleated bodice and a long train. The colour marked a more glamorous departure from some of her previous film-premiere looks, including the Roland Mouret gown she wore for Top Gun: Maverick in 2022 and the white Self-Portrait dress worn for the premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob in 2016.

British Vogue compared the look with the more elaborate gowns Kate has worn for the Royal Variety Performance, adding another reference point to her evening wear choices.

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The jewellery brought a significant piece of royal history to the red carpet.

Kate wore the Queen Mother’s Amethyst Sautoir Necklace, which was presented by Queen Alexandra to Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923, the year she married Prince Albert, Duke of York. The necklace consists of three strands of pearls and amethysts, with a large heart-shaped amethyst pendant surrounded by diamonds.

The necklace has previously appeared at another royal film premiere. Queen Camilla wore the piece with a purple gown for the London premiere of Skyfall in 2012. Kate’s appearance therefore marked the second time the necklace had been worn for a royal film premiere.

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She also wore Princess Diana’s Collingwood pearl-drop earrings. Kate wore her hair partly pulled back, leaving the earrings visible against the purple gown.

The evening also reunited Kate and William with Tom Cruise, whom they previously met at the London premiere of Top Gun: Maverick. Cruise greeted the couple on the red carpet, while William wore a double-breasted velvet tuxedo jacket that earned a compliment from the actor.

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Later, Cruise was seen holding Kate’s hand as he helped her down the stairs towards the screening.

Digger, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, stars Cruise as an oil tycoon whose company causes an environmental catastrophe, leaving him to try to repair the damage. The cast also includes Riz Ahmed, Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Jesse Plemons, Sophie Wilde, Michael Stuhlbarg and Emma D’Arcy.

With Kate’s purple Jenny Packham gown and two pieces of royal jewellery, the Princess of Wales brought a distinctly royal element to a premiere already packed with Hollywood and British stars.