In the latest from the Telegraph (in print tomorrow):
“The Princess of Wales’s intensely personal video message is packed with symbolism and carefully chosen imagery.
The three-minute video, shot by Will Warr, the couple’s favoured film-maker, in Norfolk last month, focuses heavily on the importance of nature and family.
It depicts the Prince and Princess, tactile and intimate; their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, at the centre of their world.
The positive tone, the laughter and playful scenes, demonstrate that the Princess is looking to the future, hopeful that her darkest days are behind her.
The footage is framed around the theme of nature.
Since her cancer diagnosis in January, the Princess has found sanctuary in the natural world and is keen to reflect its importance.
She has previously spoken of “the power of nature” in maintaining both physical and mental health and the imagery reflects this.
The footage shows the Princess leaning against a tree, eyes closed as she looks to the skies, touching the bark of a tree as she gazes upwards.
In other scenes, she is walking through a field of wheat, caressing the sheaves with her hand, beaming as she holds a yellow butterfly before it flutters into the distance.
Nature was a key theme in June, when the Princess delivered an update on her health, revealing that she had “good days and bad days” but was “not out of the woods yet”.
Her statement was accompanied by the image of her leaning on a weeping willow on the Windsor estate, again, taking strength and comfort in nature.
The joy and vitality conveyed in the latest footage is a far cry from the video message released by the Princess in March, when, seated on a bench alone looking pale and thin, she revealed that she was undergoing treatment for cancer.
The film shows the Prince and Princess interacting in a way never seen before.
The couple, usually intensely guarded in public, offer a rare glimpse into their private world as they lean on each other, kiss and clasp hands.
In various scenes, the Princess leans her head on her husband’s shoulder, they lie together on their backs, arms wrapped around each other laughing and the Prince affectionately plants a kiss on his wife’s cheek.
In the video the Princess recorded in March, when she revealed she was being treated for cancer, she said that having the Prince by her side was “a great source of comfort and reassurance”.
She mentions him twice in her latest statement as she shows how much she values his strength and support.
Their decision to let the world in on such personal moments might also reflect the “new perspective” they say they have each gained from their cancer journey, perhaps now recognising that others relate to such private experiences and vulnerability.
The Prince and Princess have always made clear that family comes first.
Family life is at the heart of this video as the couple spend quality time with their three children as well as the Princess’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton.
There are delightful shots of the family, arms wrapped around each other and laughing at the camera.
The children wield cricket bats, climb trees and run through the waves in the sea. They are shown playing cards outside and enjoying a picnic.
The images reflect the Princess’s recognition of the “simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved”.
It is significant that the Middletons appear in one scene, playing a classic card game with the family around a dining room table.
The Princess is extremely close to her parents and they have rallied round in recent months to provide invaluable support. Their inclusion in the video is a means of public recognition, a thank you for being there.
As an unprecedented glimpse into an idyllic family life, the footage is similar to that released by the couple in April 2021 to mark their 10th wedding anniversary.
That film, also shot by Mr Warr, showed the family in Norfolk, frolicking in sand dunes, chasing each other through trees and collapsing on the grass in giggles.
The brief footage of the Princess driving a Land Rover through the Sandringham estate demonstrates that she is well enough to be back at the wheel and in control of her life.
It is also reminiscent of the late Queen and Prince Philip, who were often seen driving themselves around the royal estates.
The late Queen relished such independence, particularly in her later years.
A close-up of the Princess’s left hand on the gear stick shows she is not wearing her famous sapphire engagement ring.“
** it’s a lengthy article but I thought it might be of interest to some. 😊
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News & politics
Princess of Wales video on her cancer treatment
(202 Posts)Heartbreaking, yet inspiring at the same time.
The little daughter clinging to her mum fir dear life.
The Princess is impressive. She’s a real asset to the royal family in every possible way. The way she’s negotiating her role as a mother, wife, daughter friend etc as well as coping with cancer and sharing parts of her life with the public is inspirational. Like others, I hope her recovery is as good as it can be
Thank you for the article friedgreentomatoes2. I saw the 6 o’clock news on bbc but I don’t think they showed the whole video.
I hope that soon she will be given the ‘all clear’ - or is that after 5 years?
It sounded lovely. I don't have a television - does anyone have a link where I can view it?
dalrymple23
It sounded lovely. I don't have a television - does anyone have a link where I can view it?
I didn't watch it earlier as I thought it might be too upsetting but saw it on the news.
It was inspirational and I hope the Princess will make a complete recovery.
I also hope that there are not too many demands placed on her too soon as her health and her family must come first.
Beautiful video
Great PR film,unfortunately not ALL cancer sufferers are treated as well or as quickly .No harm meant to Kate but being in her privileged position ISN'T reality for most mums who have cancer .I know one who was diagnosed at the same time ,has still run her household and been back at work ...proper long days for months .Wouldn't it be good if they were ALL treated like Kate who is now using her situation as publicity/heartstring pulling for the plebs.And you're all soaking it up like sponges
And you’re all soaking it up like sponges
Well, I for one am happy to soak it up.
Yes, she’s privileged and can afford the best treatment.
So can many other famous and wealthy people.
Doesn’t alter the fact she’s a daughter, wife and mum to three young children, and must still be so scared about the future.
As are many others, and am sure the Princess is very aware of this.
I have felt for some time that the Princess of Wales was giving too much of herself. Sort of 120% effort in everything she did. Trying too hard really to be the perfect Princess (perhaps inspired or influenced by Diana) and succeeding. But there’s a price to pay and I feared she may get an illness similar to ME. In her new way of seeing things I hope she will realise she doesn’t need to try so hard. She is loved and admired for the person she is. Beautiful in all ways
I watched it on the news last night .
I'm hoping that The Princess of Wales makes a full recovery .
Having watched Amy Downden's battle with cancer -I'd forgotten just how horrible chemotherapy is .
I'm so glad that she has kept her lovely hair .
And more importantly , her children are keeping their mother .
It is a beautiful video,happy “to soak it up like a sponge”,what a mean post paddyann54,such spitefulness in it.
Thank you Jaxjacky.
She is restrained yet still Warm & Classy.
@PaddyAnne, I rarely agree with you but I think you have hit the nail on the head. My own son has just been through treatment for cancer and although we supported him where we could, he was still managing a very bouncy 4 year old and his 8 year old. He went back to work yesterday. No tree gazing, just getting on with it.
That said, I am glad she is recovering and I don't wish her any ill at all but the PR drive is not for me.
As someone making a slow recovery from 2 operations for bowel cancer, this news and video filled me with joy.
It so happens that I grew up in the same village as Kate. She is much younger and I didn't know the Middletons but I feel sort of bond.
Oh, come on, Paddyann climb out of the manger and give upon being grudging.
Shakespeare had a quote for it "Dost thou think because thou art virtuous there shall be no more cakes and ale?"
Do you think that no-one should write or video about their own cancer journey unless everyone has exactly the same experiences? She has had some drastic medication and her family were worried that her life could be in danger. That is true however much money she has. Cancer is no respecter of wealth or position.
Many ordinary people were also concerned for her, and are pleased to know that she has at last reached the end of her treatment. Of course she is pleased, and of course many ordinary people are pleased for her.
I absolutely agree.
She will have had the best of the best treatment, best of the best consultants . No waiting for appointments, no cancellations, no money worries.
It’s a bit rich rubbing it all in peoples faces. She should be campaigning for better treatment for all.
paddyann54
Great PR film,unfortunately not ALL cancer sufferers are treated as well or as quickly .No harm meant to Kate but being in her privileged position ISN'T reality for most mums who have cancer .I know one who was diagnosed at the same time ,has still run her household and been back at work ...proper long days for months .Wouldn't it be good if they were ALL treated like Kate who is now using her situation as publicity/heartstring pulling for the plebs.And you're all soaking it up like sponges
That's a pretty mean post paddyann54
Firstly, everyone's cancer journey is different.
Some of you will remember that my own family has been living this journey for almost a year now. My own daughter has had her care with the NHS at a top notch oncology unit. From incredibly fast diagnosis to the final cycle of chemotherapy her care has been comprehensive and effective. At no time has she had to be worried about breaches of confidentiality, paparazzi, leaking of information to a greedy press. She has been able to make her own decisions about the pace of return to work without all the pressures of public appearances and the whole world scrutinising her appearance for any clues about her diagnosis. Before we make stereotypical judgements about the lives other people live, we should learn to walk a few miles in their shoes. Wealth and privilege are often despised by many who know nothing of its burden
She should be campaigning for better treatment for all
And who’s to say that hopefully, when she is fully recovered, that is just what she might focus on for a new ‘cause’?
Lending her weight behind a campaign can only be a good thing.
Great PR film,unfortunately not ALL cancer sufferers are treated as well or as quickly .No harm meant to Kate but being in her privileged position ISN'T reality for most mums who have cancer .I know one who was diagnosed at the same time ,has still run her household and been back at work ...proper long days for months .Wouldn't it be good if they were ALL treated like Kate
I agreed with you all the way, paddyann and then you went and spoilt it. That last bit was really unnecessary.
paddyann54
Great PR film,unfortunately not ALL cancer sufferers are treated as well or as quickly .No harm meant to Kate but being in her privileged position ISN'T reality for most mums who have cancer .I know one who was diagnosed at the same time ,has still run her household and been back at work ...proper long days for months .Wouldn't it be good if they were ALL treated like Kate who is now using her situation as publicity/heartstring pulling for the plebs.And you're all soaking it up like sponges
Totally unnecessary.
Why is anyone surprised at Paddyann's mean spirited nastiness?
100% happy her treatment has finished but was it necessary for a mini ‘film’?!
(I am genuinely thrilled)…
Unfortunately Paddyanne more often than not makes sneery unnecessarily negative comments especially about the RF and the Westminster government!! I for one have 'soaked it up' and am very pleased at such excellent news. The King seems to be progressing well, so a double pleasure.
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