Just days after a heartwarming appearance at Wimbledon, Princess Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, has issued a new statement celebrating the transformative power of nature. The statement coincides with the announcement of two new gardens at the Natural History Museum in London, a project dear to her heart as she undergoes cancer treatment.

Embracing the Outdoors for Well-being
Princess Kate, 42, has long been an advocate for the healing properties of nature. In her latest statement, she emphasized the importance of connecting with the natural world for physical, mental, and spiritual health. “I am hugely supportive of the Museum’s commitment to create a special space which encourages people of all ages to reconnect with nature and learn more about how we can protect our natural world,” she said. Her message was shared via the Instagram Stories of the official account she shares with Prince William.

Kate’s patronage of the Natural History Museum, which began in 2013, reflects her deep interest in the environment. The museum is a favorite spot for her and her three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. The new gardens aim to inspire visitors and demonstrate the power of nature in fostering well-being.

Personal Connection to Nature
Kate’s personal bond with nature is well-documented. A photo released with her statement in June, taken by photographer Matt Porteous, showed her casually dressed in jeans, leaning against a tree in Windsor. This image, accompanied by a personal message, was her first health update since her cancer diagnosis. “I really feel that nature and being interactive outdoors has huge benefits on our physical and mental well-being,” she had remarked in 2019, promoting the practice of “forest bathing.”

Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith commented on the portrait, “There she is in nature, which has fortified her, and looking upward in a sign of real hope and encouragement for everybody.”

A Legacy of Environmental Advocacy
Princess Kate’s recent statement was shared alongside photos from her 2021 visit to the Natural History Museum, where she promoted the Urban Nature Project. Dressed in a pink blazer and jeans, she engaged with schoolchildren and highlighted the importance of reconnecting with nature, particularly in urban settings. This project aims to educate the public about the significance of urban green spaces and wildlife conservation.

During her visit, Kate shared honey from her own beehive at Anmer Hall, her country home in Norfolk. Engaging with the children, she asked, “Does it taste like honey from the shops? Does it taste like flowers?”

A Summer of Reflection and Recovery
Following her cancer diagnosis in March, Princess Kate has maintained a low profile. Her appearance at Wimbledon, where she received a standing ovation, was her second public outing of the year. A palace insider shared with PEOPLE, “This will have given her sustenance. She has gone through something awful and stressful, and it is crucial to have little wins to look forward to or to give you the courage and energy to go forward.”

While Kate has expressed hope to join “a few public engagements over the summer,” she acknowledges that her health journey is ongoing. Her appearance at Wimbledon, alongside Princess Charlotte and her sister Pippa Middleton, was likely her last public outing for some time, as the royal family traditionally takes a break from public engagements during the summer.

A Tribute to Resilience and Hope
Princess Kate’s dedication to her patronages, even amid personal health challenges, highlights her resilience and commitment. Her advocacy for the benefits of nature, coupled with her personal journey, offers a message of hope and inspiration. As she continues her treatment, the new gardens at the Natural History Museum stand as a testament to her enduring belief in the healing power of the natural world.

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Source: https://people.com/kate-middleton-new-statement-royal-work-after-wimbledon-appearance-8680000