The Prince and Princess of Wales have given their social media accounts a revamp – after the release of their moving video to mark the end of Kate’s chemotherapy treatment.
Kate and Prince William, both 42, yesterday updated their profile pictures on their X and Instagram pages, swapping the photograph which was taken on a visit to Ireland in 2020 with a snap from the emotional three-minute clip.
In the main image, the loved-up royal couple six next to one another on a blanket in the woods as they hold each other’s hands. Kate is captured throwing her head back in laughter while William wears an equally cheerful look in the candid snap.
The intimate photograph replaces their previous profile picture which was taken on a walk along Howth Cliff, near Dublin, in March 2020, and showed their arms around one another.
Updates to their social media account could be signs of a ‘fresh start’ now Kate’s chemotherapy has ended – after royal fans claimed the royal swapping out her engagement ring for her stunning eternity band in the new video shared yesterday was also possibly the Princess marking ‘the next phase of her life’.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have given their social media accounts a revamp (pictured) – after the release of their moving video to mark the end of Kate’s chemotherapy treatment
The royal couple also changed their header photo on X, formerly known as Twitter, to a sweet photo from the clip that shows the Prince and Princess with their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte , nine, and Prince Louis , six
Kate and Prince William, both 42, yesterday updated their profile pictures on their X and Instagram pages, swapping the photograph which was taken on a visit to Ireland in 2020 (pictured) with a snap from the emotional three-minute clip
The royal couple also changed their header photo on X, formerly known as Twitter, to a sweet photo from the clip that shows the Prince and Princess with their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.
A cheeky Louis sits next to his father, while Charlotte has her arms resting on her mother and older brother as the family beam at the camera in the adorable picture.
In the emotional clip posted yesterday, Kate and her husband Prince William are seen celebrating the Princess’s recovery alongside their three children.
King Charles and his wife Queen Camilla are understood to have welcomed yesterday’s announcement as ‘wonderful news’ and will continue to offer all love, thoughts and support to Kate on her continued path to full recovery.
While Kate’s message to the nation was filled with hope and celebration, she warned that ‘doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus’ and admitted the last nine months have been a ‘scary and unpredictable’ time for her family.
The Princess said the experience has reminded her and her husband to ‘reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.’
The video was filmed in Norfolk last month and is accompanied by a backdrop of stunning nature. It shows the family playing happily on the beach and in the woods, William and Catherine laying entwined on a blanket, hugging their children – and kissing.
In the main image, the loved-up royal couple six next to one another on a blanket in the woods as they hold each other’s hands. Kate is captured throwing her head back in laughter while William wears an equally cheerful look in the candid snap
A cheeky Louis sits next to his father, while Charlotte has her arms resting on her mother and older brother as the family beam at the camera in the adorable picture
In an uplifting video message shared today, the Princess of Wales revealed she has finished her course of ‘preventative chemotherapy’
Kensington Palace has not confirmed whether the princess – seen with William – expects to return to a full programme of duties next year. It is understood that decisions about 2025 will be taken in line with medical advice
Catherine and William hug each other on a picnic blanket in an adorable moment from the video
Kate Middleton’s family featured in the emotional three-minute video
Princess Catherine’s mother Carole featured in the emotional video
In her message the princess says: ‘As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.
‘The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.
‘This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved. ‘
Referring to her plans for the coming months, Catherine continues: ‘Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
‘Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.’
And she ends it with a deeply moving and emotional message to fellow cancer patients and their families, saying: ‘To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.’
Palace source emphasised that while the princess is looking forward to undertaking a ‘handful’ of public engagements over the coming months, her focus is on being ‘cancer free’ and her journey to full recovery ‘is long’.
Her programme of engagements will be ‘light’ but is likely, as previously revealed by the Daily Mail, to including Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph and other events around it.
She will not accompany Prince William to his Earthshot Prize awards in Cape Town in November, emphasising she wanted to remain in the UK to support her young family for whom the year has been difficult too.
She has already started to work from home on ‘passion projects’ such as her early childhood programme and will continue to do so for the rest of the year.
A source stressed that the entire Wales family are ‘immensely grateful for the kind and thoughtful wishes they have received over the past nine months’ and are grateful to the media for its cooperation in affording her space and privacy.
Catherine spoke of her ‘relief’ at her programme of chemo finally coming to an end
The princess walks through the woods under dappled sunlight during the video released alongside her statement
Catherine appeared happy and relaxed in the video, which will delight her millions of supporters
The new video of the princess and her family – an unprecedented piece of deeply personal footage – was filmed in Norfolk by one of their favourite film-makers, Will Warr
Princess Charlotte hugs their parents as they look out over a beach in Norfolk
Kate pictured behind the wheel as she reads her statement as a voiceover
The setting of the footage is deeply symbolic, drawing on the strength Catherine has drawn from her family and loved ones and from spending time on the things which bring her joy
The Prince and Princess of Wales’ children play in the sea during the video released today
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are featured regularly in the new video
Catherine and William lark around on the beach in a delightful scene from the video
The footage is one of the intimate insights into family life that Catherine and William have provided so far
Delightful scenes show the family enjoying each other’s company in nature
The princess was first admitted to hospital in January for what has only been described as planned abdominal surgery.
It was later discovered by doctors that cancer had been present and she embarked on her treatment in late February.
Kensington Palace has not confirmed whether the princess expects to return to a full programme of duties next year. It is understood that decisions about 2025 will be taken in line with medical advice.
However sources told the Mail tonight that the Princess hopes to do a small number of engagements shining a light on some of the causes, issues and charities that are closest to her heart over the coming months.
They are only likely to be announced last minute as they will depend as and when Her Royal Highness feels able to carry them out, with sources stressing repeatedly that every ‘cancer journey is different’.
It is understood that she is also working with staff on plans for her annual carol concert in December.
The new video of the princess and her family – an unprecedented piece of deeply personal footage – was filmed in Norfolk by one of their favourite film-makers, Will Warr.
The setting of the footage is deeply symbolic, drawing on the strength Catherine has drawn from her family and loved ones and from spending time on the things which bring her joy, particularly the sanctuary she has found in the natural world.
It also features her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, who have been an unwavering source of support.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children clamber over tree trunks near their Norfolk home
Prince Louis appeared his usual cheeky self during the charming family video
Louis brings his face to the camera as George and Catherine are seen in the background
Princess Charlotte was also seen several times during the footage
The royal children run through the woods as William walks alongside them bouncing a tennis ball on a cricket bat
The family are also seen running through a field of recently cut straw
Catherine is featured in a stunning shot among a seat of summer grasses
Other shots are filmed from behind, with this one showing Catherin
Catherine announced publicly five months ago that she had been diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing ‘preventative’ chemotherapy
William interacts with Princess Charlotte in a scene that appears in the video
The royal children are seen playing around in intimate family scenes, with this shot showing Prince Louis
The statement is three minutes’ long and contains numerous family photos and videos
Catherine hugs Charlotte during a tender exchange caught on camera
Kate today revealed she has finished her chemotherapy following a health crisis earlier this year
Cheeky Louis is seen climbing a tree while his mother watches on
The new video of the princess and her family – an unprecedented piece of deeply personal footage – was filmed in Norfolk by one of their favourite film-makers, Will Warr
William is seen holding a card in his hand as George and Louis look on
The royal children make regular cameo appearances in the adorable footage
Prince Louis sticks his tongue out while playing on a swing
Catherine walks through bracken in a reflective moment during the footage
Catherine announced publicly five months ago that she had been diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing ‘preventative’ chemotherapy.
‘I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits,’ she said at the time, in a highly emotional and unprecedented video message.
The message followed the major abdominal surgery Catherine had in January, where she spent two weeks at the London Clinic in Marylebone.
She made her first public appearance since the bombshell announcement in June when she joined the Royal Family to celebrate the King’s official birthday.
Her appearance at Trooping of the Colour had been in doubt after she missed the final rehearsal the weekend prior to the celebration, with confirmation that she would attend only given at 6pm the evening before.
In her second public appearance, the mother-of-three attended Wimbledon alongside her daughter, Princess Charlotte and her sister, Pippa Middleton.
Catherine – who enjoys taking part in sporting events and showing her support for athletes – also made a surprise appearance alongside Prince William with a star-studded message to Team GB last month.