The Princess of Wales today posted a video sharing her relief at having completed chemotherapy treatment, but notes that “my road to full recovery is long.” Here is the full three-minute video.
The video was filmed by Will Warr last month in Norfolk. Mr Warr also made the Coronation weekend recap video last May and a short video to mark the couple’s 10th wedding anniversary.
In the new film, the family is seen relaxing outdoors.
The Princess spoke of how the last nine months have been “…incredibly hard for us as a family. The experience of cancer is complex, frightening and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to us.”
The family is seen roughhousing and relaxing on the beach.
With her dog Orla.
More from the Princess’s voiceover: “This moment has reminded William and I, above all, to reflect and be grateful for the simple but important things in life, which many of us often take for granted. Simply loving and being loved.”
Reflections on the video of The telegraph Camila Tominey.
After everything she’s been through, the once-reserved Catherine has clearly decided to throw caution to the winds, and the candor captured on camera is as comforting as it is revealing.
Yet the moving scenes filmed last month by Will Warr in Norfolk reflect a deliberate attempt to finally lay bare the love and affection at the heart of one of the world’s most remarkable – and best documented – relationships.
The family playing cards with the princess’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton.
More than The Daily Mail coverage.
The setting of the footage is deeply symbolic and draws on the strength Catherine has gained from her family and loved ones and from spending time on the things that bring her joy, particularly the sanctuary she has found in the natural world.
Also featured are her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, who have been an unwavering source of support.
Sharing a moment on the beach.
The Princess speaks of a new outlook in the video: “Despite everything that has happened so far, I am entering this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation for life. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from everyone who is helping us at this time. The kindness, empathy and compassion from everyone has been truly touching.”
More card games.
We see the Prince of Wales removing an insect from Princess Charlotte’s hair.
And his brothers look at the insect more closely.
The voiceover also notes, “Life as we know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and the unknown path.”
The couple with Princess Charlotte.
A hug for Prince George.
We see the Princess in some contemplative moments.
The video closes with a special message for those facing cancer: “To all those who continue their own journey against cancer: I am still with you, side by side, hand in hand. From darkness can come light, so let that light shine brightly.”
The video comes as children in Wales have returned to school after the summer holidays. Sunday morning Roya Nikkhah’s story reported on possible additions to the Princess’s agenda this fall.
But if she continues to have more “good days”, it is understood she has her sights set 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 believed to have begun planning the princess’s annual televised carol service, “Together at Christmas,” at Westminster Abbey in December. Continuing to work from home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, Kate has been holding more regular meetings with her private secretary, Tom White, her deputy private secretary, Natalie Burrows, and the Waleses’ communications secretary, Lee Thompson, to plan ahead.
In the video, the Princess is seen wearing two dresses. One is by American designer Veronica Beard, with thanks to Laura for the ID. The Castella Floral Boho Midi Dress (sold out) is made from 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, mixing painterly blooms and floral stripes, as well as soft blouson sleeves and a layered ruffle hem.”
A closer look at the print and some of the other details.
I haven’t been able to find the denim dress seen in the video yet, but I’ll update the post when I do. I saw so many similar styles that I’ve added quite a few to the RepliKate dresses page. UPDATE 10 SEPTEMBER:It looks like the blue dress is from H&M. Thanks to Valerie and Middleton Maven, it’s a LOGG (Label of Graded Goods) denim dress, long out of stock. Here’s a photo of the piece as offered by A British Rose on eBay.
In the video, the Princess can be seen wearing her Veja Esplar sneakers, which are shown here just as she wore them 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 the Citrine Drops or the Green Amethyst Drops. I’m leaning toward the green earrings. There’s a second pair worn in the video that look like small hoops, possibly Daniella Draper’s Mini Cupid Hoops.
Here is the full text of the Princess’s statement in the video.
As summer draws to a close, I cannot express to you the relief I feel at finally completing my chemotherapy treatment. The past nine months have been incredibly hard on us as a family.
Life as we know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate turbulent waters and unfamiliar paths. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.
With humility, you also confront your own vulnerabilities in ways you never considered before, and with that, you gain a new perspective on everything. This time has reminded William and I, above all, to reflect and be grateful for the simple but important things in life, which many of us often take for granted.
To simply love and be loved. Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my goal. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my road to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to live each day as it comes. However, I hope to return to work and take on some more public engagements in the coming months when I am able.
Despite everything that has happened, I am entering this new stage of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation for life. William and I are very grateful for the support we have received and have drawn a lot of strength from all those who are helping us at this time.
The kindness, empathy and compassion from everyone has been truly touching. To all those who continue their own journey against cancer: I stand with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness can come light, so let that light shine brightly.
Another note on the video: the wide shot of the family is now the header on Wales’ social media pages.