Kate Middleton shares message on 44th birthday after 1st royal outing of the year
Kate Middleton shared a reflective message on her 44th birthday Friday in a video released on social media.
"I find myself reflecting on how deeply grateful I am," Kate, wearing a green coat and matching cap, says in the video, the fourth and final installment of the "Mother Nature" video series she launched in 2025 to reflect on the power of nature.
"For the rivers within us flow with ease. Fears washed away, cleanse and purify. Come to peace with our tears, and discover what it means to be alive," Kate continues in the video, titled "Winter." "To be at one with nature. A quiet teacher and a soft voice that guides. In memory, helping us to heal."
The video was shared on social media one day after Kate made a surprise appearance in London on Thursday, stepping out alongside her husband Prince William for the couple's first official outing of 2026.
The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Charing Cross Hospital in West London to highlight the work of National Health Service staff and volunteers, as they respond to the increased demand on services during the winter months.
During their visit to the hospital, William addressed the health care workers and patients and mentioned his wife's own health experiences.
"Both of us have had different experiences with hospitals, me working with the Air Ambulance, Catherine with her recent health journey," he said, referring to Kate's cancer diagnosis and treatment.
In another moment, a volunteer working with chemotherapy patients spoke with the royal couple about how long treatment can take, with patients and their caretakers often in the hospital for hours.
Kate replied, "I know," before touching William's shoulder and saying, "You know."
Kate, who first announced her cancer diagnosis publicly in March 2024, has never disclosed the type or stage of cancer with which she was diagnosed beyond sharing that she underwent chemotherapy.
In January 2025, the Princess of Wales shared a message on social media saying that her cancer was in remission.
"It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery," she wrote on social media at the time.
"As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead," she added. "There is much to look forward to."
