Kate Middleton has opened up about her cancer recovery in a rare new interview with Country Life, revealing that doctors warned her there would be “good days and bad days” and that her recovery would “take time.”
The Princess of Wales, 44, first went public with her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, before revealing that she had completed her chemotherapy in September of that year. She then confirmed she was in remission in January 2025.
In the new issue, which husband Prince William has guest-edited, the mom-of-three reflected on the challenges of her recovery, and also explained how spending time in nature has helped her through some of her most difficult moments. Keep reading to find out more…
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Kate Middleton Gives Rare Update On Her Cancer Recovery Journey
"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," the future queen recalled during her conversation with author Robert Macfarlane.
This echoes what she said when she announced that she had completed chemotherapy back in September 2024. At the time, she acknowledged that her recovery was far from over, saying: "My path to healing and full recovery is long. I must continue to take each day as it comes."
In her new interview, she compared her recovery to the natural world, and said: "This is the same in nature. It shows us that periods of rest, reflection and renewal are equally as important as moments of growth."
The Princess of Wales went on to describe just how challenging recovery from a serious illness can be, explaining: "What I feel really passionate about, having had first-hand experience, is approaching illness and recovery through a whole-person approach. Yes, serious illness creates a lot of physical challenges, but there is also a deeper part to all of us."
Kate Middleton Credits Nature With Helping Her Through Her Cancer Recovery
The Princess of Wales, who has regularly gushed over her love of nature, then explained why spending time outdoors has been so important to her…
"Nature has allowed me to find a deeper connection to my mind, body and spirit," she said. "I think that's because nature offers something unique. It doesn't ask anything of us. It doesn't judge us or expect us to perform. It simply allows us to be. It really has been my sanctuary and a place I've instinctively wanted to go."
The Princess of Wales also stressed the importance of incorporating nature into the healing process, explaining that people have long turned to the outdoors for comfort during difficult times…
"Whether it is the beach for healing and recovery, the countryside for peace and perspective or the mountains to find solitude, people have long sought comfort in the natural world," she said, adding: "It is such a restorative environment and incorporating nature into someone's recovery pathway is vital."
And when asked where she finds hope, the Princess of Wales offered another poignant reflection, explaining that nature reminds her "that, despite the challenges life may throw at us, we are not alone and that we're interconnected with something bigger than ourselves."
Kate Middleton Previously Called Nature Her 'Sanctuary' During Cancer Recovery
This also isn't the first time Kate has spoken about the healing power of nature. In May 2025, she launched her four-part Mother Nature video series on the official Prince and Princess of Wales YouTube channel, with the first installment focusing on spring and the importance of spending time outdoors.
"Over the past year, nature has been my sanctuary," she said in the video, which featured footage of her and Prince William during their visit to Scotland's Isle of Mull.
She also spoke about the importance of hope and new beginnings, saying: "Spring is a season of rebirth, of hope and new beginnings." She went on to encourage people to "reconnect to nature and celebrate a new dawn within our hearts."
Fans Praise Kate Middleton For Speaking Openly About Her Cancer Recovery
"Inspiring," praised one fan on Instagram. "Princess Catherine is such a role model," gushed a second, as a third echoed: "Princess Catherine is one of the BEST role models." "God bless you Princess Kate," added a fourth.
"Talking about this horrible disease is so courageous and very generous from HRH. Very helpful for everyone suffering from it," praised a fifth. "Quietly letting other sufferers know, that they are not alone, and bad days are part of the long recovery journey," noted a sixth.
"I'm so thankful she is ok. Her kids and William need her," commented a seventh, adding: "She will be an incredibly supportive Queen once William is King."
"Wishing this wonderful lady all the best - the UK needs a role model like her," wrote an eighth, as a ninth exclaimed: "Love her, a wonderful woman and a human! Long live Catherine." "I wish her speedy recovery and long life with her family," said a tenth.
