The Princess of Wales released a video today sharing her relief at concluding chemotherapy treatment but noting, “…my path to full recovery is long.” Here is the full three-minute video.
The video was shot by Will Warr last month in Norfolk. Mr. Warr also did the coronation weekend wrapup video last May and a brief video marking the couple’s tenth wedding anniversary.
In the new film, the family is seen relaxing outside.
The Princess speaks of the last nine months being “…incredibly tough for us as a family. The cancer journey is complex, scary, and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.”
The family is seen roughhousing and relaxing on the beach.
With their dog, Orla.
More from the Princess’s voiceover: “This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”
Thoughts on the video from The Telegraph’s Camilla Tominey.
After everything she has gone through, the once-guarded Catherine clearly decided to throw caution to the wind – and the candour caught on camera is as heartwarming as it is revealing.
The touching scenes filmed last month by Will Warr in Norfolk, however, reflect a deliberate attempt to finally lay bare the love and affection at the heart of one of the most high-profile – and well-documented – relationships in the world.
The family playing cards with the Princess’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton.
More from The Daily Mail’s coverage.
The setting of the footage is deeply symbolic, drawing on the strength Catherine has drawn from her family and loved ones and from spending time on the things which bring her joy, particularly the sanctuary she has found in the natural world.
It also features her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, who have been an unwavering source of support.
Sharing a moment on the beach.
The Princess talks of a new perspective in the video: “Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.”
More card playing.
We see the Prince of Wales remove a bug from Princess Charlotte’s hair.
And her brothers take a closer look at the bug.
The voiceover also notes, “Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”
The couple with Princess Charlotte.
A hug for Prince George.
We see the Princess in some contemplative moments.
She closes the video with a special message for those confronting cancer: “To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.”
The video comes as the Wales children have returned to school after their summer break. A Sunday Times story by Roya Nikkhah reported on possible additions to the Princess’s schedule this fall.
But if she continues to have more “good days”, it is understood she has set her sights on “potentially” joining the King and the royal family at the Cenotaph for the National Service of Remembrance on November 10.
Royal aides are also understood to have started planning for the princess’s annual televised “Together at Christmas” carol service at Westminster Abbey in December. Continuing with some work from home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, Kate has been holding more regular meetings with her private secretary, Tom White, her assistant private secretary, Natalie Burrows, and the Waleses’ communications secretary, Lee Thompson, to plan for the future.
In the video, the Princess is seen wearing two dresses. One is by US designer Veronica Beard, with thanks to Laura for the ID. The Castella Floral Boho Midi Dress (sold out) is made of lightweight ramie, lined in 100% cotton. It is described as “our elevated take on bohemian dressing. Cut for a relaxed fit, this midi silhouette features an engineered block print—which mixes painterly blooms and floral stripes—as well as gentle blouson sleeves and a tiered, ruffled hem.”
A closer look at the print and some of the other details.
I have not yet been able to find the denim dress seen in the video, but I will update the post when it is identified. I saw so many similar styles I added quite a few to the RepliKate Dresses page. UPDATE SEP 10: It looks like the blue dress is by H&M. With thanks to Valerie and Middleton Maven, it is a LOGG Denim Dress (Label of Graded Goods), long since sold out. Here is a photo of the piece as offered on eBay by A British Rose.
You see the Princess wearing her Veja Esplar Sneakers in the video, shown here as worn on a previous occasion.
It looks like the Princess is wearing her Daniella Draper Trio Diamond Midnight Moon Necklace in the video as well as a pair of Kiki McDonough earrings, either her Citrine Drops or the Green Amethyst Drops. I am leaning toward the green drops. There is a second pair worn in the video that looks like tiny hoops, possibly the Daniella Draper Mini Cupid Hoops.
Here is the full text of the Princess’s statement in the video.
As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family.
Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.
With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted.
Of simply loving and being loved. Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time.
Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.
One other note about the video: the wide shot of the family is now the header on the Wales’s social media pages.