Kate opens up about recovery from cancer in rare interview: 'We are not alone'

Kate opens up about recovery from cancer in rare interview: 'We are not alone' The Princess of Wales says that nature is her ‘sanctuary’ - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in The Princess of Wales has spoken about drawing comfort from the natural world during her recovery from cancer, in a rare interview conducted for a magazine issue guest-edited by her husband. The interview appears in a special issue of Country Life, put together by the Prince of Wales, which was published on Wednesday. It also features a colourful drawing of a kingfisher, contributed by Prince George. Kate was interviewed by Robert Macfarlane, an acclaimed author known for his writings on landscapes and the living world. Asked by Mr Macfarlane where she finds hope, the princess replied that she found it in the lessons taught by nature “that, despite the challenges life may throw at us, we are not alone and that we’re interconnected with something bigger than ourselves”. The writer told her he found hope in watching communities help to protect rivers, as part of their discussion for the special bumper issue of the magazine. Kate replied: “I couldn’t agree more. It is the sense of hope we find in the darkest of times. We need to find the things that we can do alongside others, ways to connect and give back.” She described nature as offering something unique. “It doesn’t ask anything of us. It doesn’t judge us or expect us to perform,” she said. “It simply allows us to be. It really has been my sanctuary and a place I’ve instinctively wanted to go.” Echoing remarks she made previously about her cancer journey, she said: “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. “This is the same in nature. It shows us that periods of rest, reflection and renewal are equally as important as moments of growth.” She also praised Mind Over Mountains, a charity offering professional mental fitness support by bringing together walking in nature, mindfulness and time with experienced wellbeing counsellors. Kate has long championed the importance, especially for children, of spending time outdoors as part of her work on early childhood development. She talked about how her love of nature started in childhood, when she would spend time playing in streams, blackberry picking or “simply time alone in my own world, enjoying the simplicity of ordinary things”, and how she felt a sense of freedom “that is hard to find elsewhere”. The princess also described how she parents her own children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. “It is something I remind myself to do with my own children; to give them freedom to explore, rather than constantly telling them what to see or what to think”, she said. William is following in the footsteps of his father the King, stepmother Queen Camilla and aunt the Princess Royal by guest editing the weekly magazine. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments