Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, for example, has made headlines for her bright smiles and positive vibes. She’s found a new sense of connection to nature. As a joint president of an organization focused on mental health and well-being, she was featured in a video released last week, where she was seen laughing and smiling while interacting with young people. In this video, Kate donned a casual outfit consisting of a sweater, jeans, and a baker boy hat as she assisted the youngsters in reading a map.
Now 43, the actress has been candid about her experiences as a survivor of the disease. She has shared that being in nature helps her find calmness and centeredness. That relationship with nature has been all the more important during this difficult and isolating time. Best of all, she says, her family has followed her in enjoying the natural beauty of rural America. This notably extends to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Finding Peace in Nature
Kate’s experience with nature has turned out to be an important part of her healing. She expressed her feelings about these experiences, stating, “I find it a very spiritual and very intense emotional reconnection, I suppose, [being in] these environments.” This feeling is further reflected in her family’s day-to-day life, as they spend much of their time adventuring outdoors.
The Princess has a keen interest in a wide range of rural activities, including cycling and canicross with her cocker spaniel, Orla. She’s become a fan of pond dipping too (the practice of using a net to discover the animals that live in watery habitats). Her joy at being outdoors is most evident on family trips to Norfolk. There, she connects with the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and spends time with family and friends.
Kate’s love of the natural world goes further than just a fondness for the English rural landscape. She loves to breathe in the clean alpine air on family ski trips. On a visit to the Caribbean island of Mustique with her mother and father, swimming in the sea is pleasure enough for her.
A Spiritual Reawakening
As Kate continues to find her way from recovery back into everyday life, her experiences have produced what some would call a spiritual reawakening. Robert Jobson, a royal commentator, noted, “Throughout her illness and recovery, the Princess has certainly reconnected with nature in the same way as the King has, but she has had a bit of a religious, spiritual reawakening – as has Prince William, I understand.”
From the sound of it, this reconnection with nature has changed her family landscape for the better. A source commented on Kate’s recent appearance before Easter: “Kate was looking so well when I saw her – really great. She seemed so relaxed, at ease and grounded. It was really great to see.”
Impact on Family Life
Kate’s commitment to creating a family culture centered on nature and healthy living has clearly created a calm, happy-loving household. Spending time in nature together deepens their connection and gives them a shared sense of calm to balance their busy lives.
Local outlets profiled Kate’s pledge to spend more time outside. “Kate loves her time in Norfolk and spends so much time in nature there,” one local remarked. This intentional emphasis on nature has allowed Kate to not only survive but thrive. It shows her children that pursuit of balance and mental health matters, too.
