Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children gleefully lark about in remarkably candid clip as Kate reveals her chemotherapy has ended
The Princess of Wales‘ three children played around in nature, laughed up a storm during card games and larked around with a camera in their mother’s heartwarming video – as she revealed that her chemotherapy treatment has come to an end.
Kate Middleton, 42, offered an intimate glimpse into her family life as footage showed her and Prince William‘s kids spending quality time in Norfolk with their parents in the moving clip, shot last month.
‘As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,’ she said.
‘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.’
Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, showed their playful natures in the video as they took part in several fun activities with their family.
The Princess of Wales ‘ three children played around in nature, laughed up a storm during card games and larked around with a camera in their mother’s heartwarming video – as she revealed that her chemotherapy treatment has come to an end
In one instance, William and Kate’s eldest son grinned as he carried a cricket bat while hiking through the woods with his parents and siblings.
Footage also showed the three children donning summery ensembles as they joined their family on nature walks, in the video.
In another snap, a laughing Louis is pushed on a swing by his mother, as both bask in the sweet moment.
Experimenting with the camera, another shot also shows George starting in the lens as he asks ‘is this filming?’ while sat on a picnic blanket with his mother.
Louis then enters the frame to say: ‘Hello!’ while Charlotte also laughs and joins in.
The children also climbed around on wooden logs, shared cuddles with their family, and played card games with their grandparents, Michael and Carole Middleton.
The candid video also shows Louis ambitiously climbing up a tree as his mother carefully watches, and William removing a bug from Charlotte’s hair.
The whole family, in another heartwarming shot, races through the sea on the beach at one point.
The princess’ personal message to the nation is accompanied by a stunning three-minute long video showing her and William in Norfolk with their three children Princes George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, shot last month.
It shows the family playing happily on the beach and in the woods, William and Catherine laying entwined on a blanket, hugging their children – and kissing.
In her message the princess says: ‘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.
Kate Middleton, 42, offered an intimate glimpse into her family life as footage showed her and Prince William ‘s kids spending quality time in Norfolk with their parents in the moving clip, shot last month
Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte , nine, and Prince Louis , six, showed their playful natures in the video as they took part in several fun activities with their family
Footage also showed the three kids donning summery ensembles as they joined their family on nature walks, in the video
‘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. ‘
Referring to her plans for the coming months, Catherine continues: ‘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.’
And she ends it with a deeply moving and emotional message to fellow cancer patients and their families, saying: ‘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.’
Palace source emphasised that while the princess is looking forward to undertaking a ‘handful’ of public engagements over the coming months, her focus is on being ‘cancer free’ and her journey to full recovery ‘is long’.
Her programme of engagements will be ‘light’ but is likely, as previously revealed by the Daily Mail, to including Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph and other events around it.
She will not accompany Prince William to his Earthshot Prize awards in Cape Town in November, emphasising she wanted to remain in the UK to support her young family for whom the year has been difficult too.
She has already started to work from home on ‘passion projects’ such as her early childhood programme and will continue to do so for the rest of the year.
A source stressed that the entire Wales family are ‘immensely grateful for the kind and thoughtful wishes they have received over the past nine months’ and are grateful to the media for its cooperation in affording her space and privacy.
A source stressed that the entire Wales family are ‘immensely grateful for the kind and thoughtful wishes they have received over the past nine months’
Palace source emphasised that while the princess is looking forward to undertaking a ‘handful’ of public engagements over the coming months
Catherine spoke of her ‘relief’ at her programme of chemo finally coming to an end
The princess walks through the foods under dappled sunlight during the video released alongside her statement
The new video of the princess and her family – an unprecedented piece of deeply personal footage – was filmed in Norfolk by one of their favourite film-makers, Will Warr
Kate pictured behind the wheel as she reads her statement as a voiceover
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,
The princess was first admitted to hospital in January for what has only been described as planned abdominal surgery.
It was later discovered by doctors that cancer had been present and she embarked on her treatment in late February.
Kensington Palace has not confirmed whether the princess expects to return to a full programme of duties next year. It is understood that decisions about 2025 will be taken in line with medical advice.
However sources told the Mail tonight that the Princess hopes to do a small number of engagements shining a light on some of the causes, issues and charities that are closest to her heart over the coming months.
They are only likely to be announced last minute as they will depend as and when Her Royal Highness feels able to carry them out, with sources stressing repeatedly that every ‘cancer journey is different’.
It is understood that she is also working with staff on plans for her annual carol concert in December.
The new video of the princess and her family – an unprecedented piece of deeply personal footage – was filmed in Norfolk by one of their favourite film-makers, Will Warr.
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.